Tyler gains Renault power for 2012 ARC

Guy Tyler has always had a passion for motorsport, something he and his father have always shared. It was their involvement with the Southern Districts Car Club that finally pushed him to become a competitor in the 2009 season of the SARC.

Guy explains “I chose rallying (over other forms of motorsport) because it is the most exciting category and is very easy to get involved in”
His expectations for the year are to learn as much as possible about the car and stages whilst being competitive in all the events in the year to come. Approaching the start of the 2012 season, Guy has been busy during the off-season preparing. He has focused on his own personal fitness, media responsibilities and honing his driving skills.

“Hopefully I’ll have my best season yet!” and with that sort of prep work, he’ll be in with a chance. He recently purchased a RenaultSport Clio 172 in January 2012 from Queensland. However the Clio isn’t a Euro built rally car, but was actually built in 2007 by Steve Allmark from an Australian shell. Steve used the Clio to compete in Queensland rallies.

It is powered by a DOHC, VVT Renaultsport made 2 litre engine and whilst only small modifications have been made, it puts out 120kW at the front wheels. The rest of the car is surprisingly close to stock, bar the tower to tower roll cage, DMS suspension, pedal box and other compulsory safety additions. The new Clio weighs only 1060kg, so it will surely be one of the cars to watch out for in 2WD competitions.

Guy made the choice to step from a 4WD car back into a 2WD as the future of rallying in Australia is going this way, especially under the leadership of Scott Pedder, CEO of the ARC. 'The ARC is the world's most market relevant motorsport championship' says Pedder. With the demise of the cars and support from the only two 4WD manufacturers, to grow the sport, the ARC need to start competing in cars that people in the real world are driving.

Guy’s goal in 2012 is to win the 2WD section of the RallySchool.com.au Australian Junior Challenge (RAJC), which would be a huge boost to his career but will not come without a struggle. For the first round of the RAJC at Rally Calder he has been seeded first 2WD ahead of Adrian Coppin from Canberra in his Group N Ford Fiesta ST. He is going head to head with his friend, Michael Busby from SA, who like Guy will be competing in his first event with his new car, a Mazda RX7.

“I competed in the inaugural year of the Rallyschool.com Australian Junior Challenge in the 4WD category and I believe it is the best thing ever to have been made for young Australian drivers wishing to progress in the sport. Cheaper entry fees, prizes and national recognition are just some of the benefits of competing in the RAJC and big thanks had to go to Mick Ryan (from RallySchool.com.au) for supporting and funding the category”.

Guy’s first car is a Toyota Corolla, but his dream car would be a Peugeot 306 Maxi kit car.
Who does Guy idolize the most? The Stig (And who can blame him?)

Guy earns a crust as a dairy farmer. If there are any single female rally enthusiasts out there, Guy is available! Although, with his hobbies listed as rallying, rallying and more rallying, I don’t think he has that much spare time for a girlfriend.

Guy would like to thank all of his sponsors: B & R Autogas and Exhaust, S2 Performance, Walkers Creative Art, Willunga Tyres and Battery & Aluminum Dynamics