"This was a big dignity for me and Indonesia. We showed the ability and achievement of Indonesians, especially in rally," Rifat Sungkar said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian racer Rifat Sungkar and his navigator Marshall Clarke on Sunday (local time) won the third position of Oregon Trail Rally, part of America Rally.
"This was a big dignity for me and Indonesia. We showed the ability and achievement of Indonesians, especially in rally," Rifat Sungkar said in his press release issued on Monday.
He said he got rough challenges from all participants in the event. Even the Oregon Trail Rally was his first participation in America Rally.
"I just stay focused in driving on the track and ignored the time record," Rifat said.
On the third day of the rally, the racer from Fastron World Rally Team (FWRT) was well in improving his time record from the first day. Especially when finishing the last five Special Stage (SS).
In the SS13 he led with gap 10 second over his closest rival David Sterckx. Nevertheless, Rifat was still stock in fourth rank of general standing.
But Rifat`s performance went better in SS14 Clausen until he can recorded better time with gap 16.5 second over Sterckx. The result brought him into third place in general standing.
In SS15 and SS16, the Indonesian racer can widen his gap 40.6 second over David Stercx.
Rifat`s dream looked gone away in SS17 Chenowith after his rally car crashed the stone and found a trouble in his car tyre and tube.
Fortunately he can beat David Stercx time record by gap 12.3 second.
Meanwhile, David Higgins can be the top rank of general standing in Oregon Trail Rally standing. Second place was Ken Block and third was Rifat Sungkar.
After Oregon series, Rifat will continue to challenge his luck in next race, Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally in Wellsboro, May 31-June 1.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
