Zoom A new USRC season approaches

Seamus Burke, the 2006 and 2007 United States Rally Championship winner in the four-wheel-drive category, will begin his defense of the title at Rally New York USA (April 4-5, 2008).

The Powder Springs, Georgia building contractor will be back in the same Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 that he used to win last year's series. There will be some changes to the team however, as Eddie Fries, who worked as his co-driver last year, has retired from the sport.

Burke has therefore secured the services of California's rally veteran Ole Holter, who will work with him for the first time during this event.

Seamus Burke began rallying in his native Ireland about thirty years ago, and continued in the sport after moving to the U.S. In recent years he has risen to the top ranks among American rally drivers and has shown skill in both gravel and pavement events.

He has been a standout in Rally New York USA and in International Rally New York, including winning the latter event on the way to his 2007 championship. He credits part of his success there to the brisk nature of the courses through the Catskill Mountains, noting: "I like the faster events."

The soft-spoken Burke is aware that there will be serious competition from his United States Rally Championship rivals as they attempt to place themselves between him and a third title, but nonetheless considers that he will "have a good chance at it."

D.B. © CAPSIS International
Source: Rally New York USA