On the back of a history making season opener, Travis Hanson travels to Salem, Missouri, for the second round of the Rally America National Championship, and is aiming for another solid result.
Hanson, co-driven with his father Terry, became the first driver in the history of the Rally America National Championship to claim an overall victory in a Super Production class car.
The duo benefited from a solid drive, delivering a good pace, even when exercising sensible caution along the snow covered Northern Michigan Roads on the recent Sno*Drift rally.
Despite the pairing assuming their place in the Rally American history books, a lot of work and effort has gone in since the Sno*Drift, with the T. Hanson Motorsports team
“In order to make our efforts sustainable for the rest of the year, we have to find some support,” said Travis, adding, “We have proven that we are competitive, our car prep is good now we just need some color on that white car!”.
The New Hampshire based Team O'Neil Rally School has emerged as a supporting sponsor for the team’s 2011 campaign, with Travis having nothing but good words to say about the rally school.
“The education I have received from Team O'Neil over the past few years has been instrumental in my success,” stated Travis, who also took the time to speak of his pride at carrying the associated livery on his car in 2011, “Team O'Neil is the best driving school in North America and I am proud to wear the Team O'Neil flag”.
Travis and Terry will start the Salem based Rally of the 100 Acre Wood at the top of the overall National Driver standings in the championship. They proudly sit atop on 22-points., ahead of a host of factory backed entrants.
The challenge lying ahead is different to that of the Sno*Drift, but with a few similarities.
Traditionally, the roads are dry, but rain, snow and ice can make sudden appearances throughout the 100 Acre Wood event, leading to uncertainty throughout.
These conditions affect the high speed challenging roads in a variety of ways, but Travis is still looking forward to the event.
“Hundred Acre Wood is a favorite event of mine and we have had success here before. With conditions changing from day to day at times, you’re never sure what to expect which adds to the challenges we’ll face if we want to follow up our win”.
Summarising the pair’s achievements thus far in 2011, Terry said “Our season began in the best possible way,” before setting out their desires for the Rally of the 100 Acre Wood, “and we hope to see another solid finish” concluded Terry.
