Shah Alam, Malaysia - Tuesday October 25th., 2005 ... Cars entered by SR Motorsport took second and third spots in the 4WD category of last weekend's Southeast Asia Rally Championship, which was also the 17th International Rally of Thailand. New Zealander Dermott Malley took the higher placing, driving his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo8 to second overall. He was accompanied by experienced Malaysian co-driver Jagdev Singh.

Meanwhile, the Kiwi pairing of Brian Green and Fleur Pedersen occupied the third spot, also in an Evo8. Their rally was hampered for most of Leg 1 when the gearbox decided to allow them only third and fourth gears. But it was changed at the end of the leg, and Sunday's stages were completed without problem.

The rally, which was also a round of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship, was held on the very fast sandy roads of Thailand's Rayong Province, in mostly rain-free conditions. Serious storms during the week leading up to the rally had caused the organizers to re-route parts of the stages, but the rally itself remained mostly dry, making tire choice easier. Most Special Stages, held in a mixture of rubber tree and pineapple plantations, were very fast, but most crews seemed to enjoy the challenge.

In a post-event interview Dermot Malley was especially complimentary, and rated it as one of the best events of the year. He commented not only on "the excellent stages and organization" but also "the friendly and helpful people of Thailand." He did though fall foul of the high speeds at one point, when he and Jagdev decided to increase their pace. Taking a fourth-gear corner in fifth, they found themselves briefly on two wheels, and then heading off the road at 160kph … backwards! Luckily there was nothing to hit, and they recovered quickly with no damage.

Meanwhile, Team Manager Paul Russell noted that he was "very satisfied with the result, even though failing to get an outright win has made it harder for Dermott to win the Championship." As he said "The gap between Dermott and Malaysia's Saladin Mazlan has widened to six points, but there was no reason to give up. With sixteen points available from each event, anything is possible in the final round."

Brian Green and Fleur Pedersen also need a good result in the final rally, as they can finish second or third overall in the 4WD category. The team has to be patient as the last event is not until December 17th and 18th - again in Thailand. The time will be used wisely though, to decide on cars, strategy and preparation.

This year, the Southeast Asia Rally (SEArally) Championship has consisted of three events in Malaysia and three in Thailand. SR Motorsport has contested all, and has scored points in all, thus winning the 4WD Team Championship. Current plans are for the Junior Team also to be represented in the final round, as preparation for an attack on next year's series.