The Rally America 100 Acre Wood Rally in Salem, Missouri marked the debut of the first car built by Paladin Rally. “Eve” had moments of greatness, despite working her way through the teething process that development cars go through.
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Driver Matt Iorio finished 9th overall in the Rally, despite the loose turbo hoses, blown power steering fittings, faulty intercom, and inoperable dash display. The problems slowed the team, but Eve finished strong, despite the punishment the Salem roads gave. Critical components like the engine and transmission never faltered.
“I’m amazed thinking that four years ago I had never welded, and five years ago I didn’t know what Rally was. Now I’ve built one of the best cars in the US,” boasted a grinning Iorio. Eve will have the opportunity to prove herself at the Rally America Oregon Trail Rally in April.
Paladin Rally will continue its program of open class engine development with the help of RalliSpec. “We’ve been dependant on RalliSpec for parts, but we haven’t unveiled our purpose built motor yet.” The prototype car is due to debut at the Rally America Susquehannock Trail ProRally in June. | |
