Honda Enters 2008 Australian Rally Championship

2 April 2008 · Staff

26 March 2008 –
Honda Australia will enter a Group R Civic Type R in selected rounds of the 2008 Australian Rally championship.
Built by Italian tuning specialists, JAS Motorsport, the purpose-built Civic Type R is set to create enormous attention when it debuts at the Rally of Canberra in early May.

Powered by a Mugen DOHC 2-litre engine, matched to a close-ratio six-speed gearbox, the Civic Type R has already proven its worth over the past 12 months in many rallies throughout England and Europe.
Driving the Civic Type R is British champion, Guy Wilks who will also be making his Australian rallying debut.
Honda Australia Managing Director & CEO, Mr. Yasuhide Mizuno was enthusiastic about the project.

“I am delighted to announce our entry in the Australian Rally Championship with the Civic Type R. This year is all about understanding the car and championship prior to contesting the entire 2009 season.”

While President of Honda Malaysia, Mr. Mizuno was instrumental in creating a racing team comprising Honda associates who built and campaigned the Civic Sedans used in the Malaysian Endurance Championships.

“I also see our entry into the Australian Rally Championship as a wonderful opportunity for many of our Honda associates to be join the support team and enjoy, close up, their motorsport passion.” He added.