Shamrock Motorsport has announced it will commit to the five-round East Coast Bullbars Australian Rally Championship in the 4WD class next year.

The Sydney-based team’s owner/driver Richie Dalton will campaign the ex-Mick Patton Repco Subaru Impreza STi in the ARC which starts with the Natcap rally in Canberra, Australia’s spiritual home of rallying, in March.

Dalton made his ARC debut in the 2012 Coffs Coast Rally in a leased Rallyschool.com.au Mitsubishi Evo V.

After purchasing the Subaru, Dalton is scheduled to test the Impreza in early February when the team will also undergo some pace-note guidance from leading co-driver Bernie Webb.

“The deal we have done with Mick has worked out very well. Not only have we got a well sorted car that has a 100 per cent finishing record but also we can call on the experience of both Mick and Bernie throughout the year which is invaluable,” Dalton said.

“It’s going to be a steep learning curve for us but we have a quick and reliable car and a strong team. What we lack in experience we will make up for in commitment and give 100 per cent at each round.”

Shamrock managed a top 10 in the Coffs Coast rally, a decent result considering Dalton was unfamiliar with the car and had only met his co-driver the night before recce started.

The pre and post rally preparation and maintenance on the Impreza will be undertaken by Southern Automotive Services in Canberra.

“I wasn’t sure if I was mad to buy a 4WD car after just one event at Coffs but now that we have committed to the series next year I just can’t wait for testing and then to tackle the famous stages around Canberra.”