Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Hanson and Hanson Head West for Round Three of the Rally America Championship


Hanson focused on Super Production title in Washington

Littleton, NH, 26th April 2011 - Travis Hanson will begin next weekend's Olympus Rally holding the lead in
both the overall standings, and the Super Production class standings, yet his feet remain firmly on the ground
as his aim is the Super Production championship.

As usual, Travis will be co-driven by his father Terry. The pair are looking to deliver a good result, after last
 years disappointment on the Washington based Olympus Rally.

To-date in 2011, the Hansons have enjoyed an unprecedented level of success, which began in the first round
of the championship when they steered their Super Production specification 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STi
to outright victory at the Sno*Drift rally.

In claiming the overall win they became the first ever Super Production class competitors to win a
Rally America National event outright, and in-turn assumed their deserved place in the Rally America history.

Following up the victory at Sno*Drift, the T. Hanson Motorsports' pairing delivered another good
performance at the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood in Missouri, as they claimed fourth overall, and first
in their class.

The long break between the second and third rounds of the Championship left Travis longing to get back
behind the wheel. "I am excited to get back in the car after a long break in the schedule. Some of the roads
at Olympus are my favorites because of the beautiful scenery and because of their fast flowing nature,"
said Travis.

Speaking of the challenge they face in keeping ahead of the manufacturer backed entries,
Travis said "It will be hard to stay in front of the charging open class cars of SRT USA and L’Estage,
 if we have another strong finish, it is still possible for us to continue to lead the overall championship."

Even though Travis is more than happy to sit at the top of the outright championship standings, he has
made it clear that his focus is on the Super Production title. "This however is not our main goal” he says.

The next three rounds of the championship comprise the Olympus Rally (April 30 - May 1), Oregon
Trail Rally (May 13 - 15) and Susquehannock Trail Rally (June 3 - 4), and with all in fairly close succession,
Travis believes consistency is the key.

"The next events are all within 5 weeks time, and stretch cross-country 3000 miles one way. I believe the
drivers that are the most consistent at these events will have the upper hand in the championship,” said Travis,
adding "It is our goal to be a consistent team and one that is always there fighting for a spot on the podium".

Concluding, Travis spoke of the close nature of the Super Production class, and it's ever increasing speed.
"The competition of this class is really good with ex-factory Subaru and Mitsubishi drivers pushing the class
 faster. We’ve had a great start to the season and we are excited for the next event.”
The T. Hanson Motorsports setup is propelled by a small group of highly motivated and dedicated people,
whose commitment to the cause is second to none.
The vital contributions of each and every team member,
along with the support from Team O’Neil Rally School, Olson’s Auto Body, OSLV, Exedy Clutches,
Big Boulder Park and Broken Motorsports is the reason behind the great success the team has enjoyed
to-date in 2011.

Photo/ Neil McDaid