You can tell that Spring is in the air with the sounds of motors roaring and dust a flying. Skip the quiet of bird song because the 100 Acre Wood Rally races have begun. Promoted as one of the biggest US rally events in many years, the total number of rally teams competing during the opening races was an impressive 78. The first races of the season started in March 2019, and the let’s just say – they were AWESOME.
A favorite driver for this event is Patrick Brennan with co-driver Matt James. This duo has been together for about a year with Matt first partnering up during the Sandblast Rally in 2018. The pair appear to be quite good together and placed 5th in the first racing season of the 100 Acre Wood Rally 2019 finishing unofficially with a time of 1:52:08.3. Not bad in a field of 78 total teams.
Driving the #19 2005 Mitsubishi Evo ix L4WD, the duo ran a clean race in this first 100 Acre Wood Rally race of 2019. Despite a couple of minor missteps at intersections which cost them a few small seconds (can you say overshot the runway?), the pair still managed to finish 5th overall AND first in L4 class - a feat to make any parent (or sponsor) proud to say the least.
This grueling road course of almost 125 racing miles of various gravel road surfaces can play havoc on any driver or vehicle. But not to fear, Matt’s previous experience as co-driver to Charlie Tamaris proves that he IS the man to have on the team. During the 2016 Waste Management Winter Rally Spring, Matt’s team developed a flat tire during the road course. They pulled off the stage, Matt changed the tire, and off they went. A team player all the way around.
Since he began his professional racing career in 2002, Patrick has 67 Rally starts under his belt with a total of 6 victories. Placing 4th in his # 19 Mitsubishi EVO 4WD car in the 2018 STPR Rally with a strong total of 2:07:09.6, Patrick proved that he has what it takes to get the job done. Combine that with Matt’s 6 co-driver wins over a 12-year period, the duo proves that they have the knowledge, skillset, and expertise to be serious contenders during this Rally season. Matt also recently graduated from the Oz Rally Pro Elite Co-Driver Academy, and the skills acquired was reflected in the 4th overall at STPR Rally race in June 2018 with partner Patrick.
Be sure to keep watch on this powerful pair. The season is just beginning but the Patrick Brennan/Matt James team have the balls and know how to get the job done. It has been an exciting start off the line so let’s see what the final finish line has in store during 2019 for this racing team!
Lot #1369 - This is one of 116 1969 L88s produced. This Corvette is equipped with a 427/430hp L88 with factory side pipes, and the original red line tires that came on the car. With only 16,482 original miles, this car has undergone a rotisserie restoration by Kevin Mackay of Corvette Repair. The car achieved a Triple Diamond status in 2013 with a NCRS Top Flight Award, Bloomington Gold Award and was also featured in the February 2015 issue of 'Vette magazine. The car was originally delivered to Jennings Chevrolet in Glenview, IL. It is equipped with the following features as delivered: L88 heavy-duty engine, M22 heavy-duty transmission, J56 heavy-duty brakes, heavy-duty suspension, K66 ignition, N14 side-mounted exhaust, alarm system, red line tires and LeMans Blue with black vinyl interior. This particular car has the original engine, transmission and the rear assembly still intact, as well as all the factory fiberglass.
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Lot #574 - This red beauty features a new soft-top and custom bucket seats. It's powered by a 351ci V8 with 3-speed manual transmission. With 6" lift, it's riding on big 35" tires over chrome wheels.
Lot #361 - From May 24, 1983, until February 16, 2016, this was a one-owner car. Powered by a 4.7-liter V8 with automatic transmission, this represents the North American introduction of the S model. Clean CARFAX.
Lot #1349 - A truly rare find, this Candy Apple Red GT500 Shelby convertible has 7,900 original miles (mileage not indicated on the title). This is an original survivor that is untouched and retains its all-matching-numbers drivetrain. All the original smog equipment is still in place as well. From the Candy Apple Red paint to the air in the tires, this car is all-original. Highly documented, all the original paper survives with the car, so the documentation is ironclad. Automatic transmission.