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CHRIS ATKINSON RETURNS TO RALLY WITH SUBARU

Chris Atkinson to make rally return in the US - Photo: Supplied

By Bruce Williams

Chris Atkinson to make rally return in the US - Photo: Supplied

Chris Atkinson to make rally return in the US – Photo: Supplied

Australian Chris Atkinson will make his return to rallying with Subaru, competing in select rounds of the American Rally Association Series in 2018.

The former World Rally Championship driver with both Subaru and Hyundai has spent the last two years competing in the Global Rallycross Championship for Subaru Rally Team USA.

He will continue with the North American factory Subaru sharing the teams’ second entry with the likes of Travis Pastrana and Patrik Sandell to help aid David Higgins in his title defense.

Chris Atkinson's rally program will commence with the Oregon Trail Rally - Photo: Supplied

Chris Atkinson’s rally program will commence with the Oregon Trail Rally – Photo: Supplied

Atkinson will open up his duties with the team commencing with the Oregon Trail Rally on April 20-22.

“I’m really excited about this opportunity to do a rally in the USA, having had a glimpse through rallycross of how awesome the Subaru fans are in this part of the world, the atmosphere will be amazing,” stated Atkinson.

“It’s been a while since I’ve done a high-speed rally and I don’t underestimate the challenge, but know we have a great team and car so it will be fun. A big thanks to Subaru of America and Vermont Sportscar for this opportunity.”

No word has been made on which other rallies Atkinson will be entered in. It’s expected that Pastrana will do the majority of the program, where his Nitro Circus commitments allow.

The American Rally Association Series Schedule

1.    Oregon Trail Rally —– April 20-22, 2018
2.    Olympus Rally —– May 19-20, 2018
3.    Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally —– June 1-2, 2018
4.    New England Forest Rally —– July 20-21, 2018
5.    Ojibwe Forests Rally —– August 24-25, 2018
6.    Idaho Rally —– September 15-16, 2018
7.    Tour de Forest Rally —– October 6-7, 2018

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