Motor Image Racing Team Exits Asia Pacific Rally Championship on a High Note

[Burai]

Motor Image Racing Team (MIRT), sponsored by Motor Image Enterprises, will no longer participate in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) after finishing the 2009 season, ending its decorated three-year association with the rally.

Since entering the APRC in 2007, MIRT's two teams - Driver Cody Crocker and Co-driver Ben Atkinson, and first-ever female team consisting of Driver Emma Gilmour and Co-driver Claire Mole - have been extremely successful in their "Made in Singapore" Motor Image Subaru Impreza WRX STI cars.
Notable in 2009 was the consistent podium finishes for both teams in all six rallies that MIRT participated in. From the cold and deep gravel roads of Whangarei in New Zealand, to the slick red mud in humid Malaysia, MIRT conquered each rally location and emerged triumphant. The year also saw Crocker breaking the record as the first driver to ever win four consecutive APRC titles.
In its three years of participation at the APRC, MIRT won three consecutive Manufacturers' Title, Driver's and Co-Drivers Championship Titles.
"MIRT's strong showing over the past three years is testament to the skill and hard work of our team, and a tribute to the rally heritage of the Subaru brand," said Mr. Glenn Tan, Group Chief Executive of Motor Image Group, and MIRT Team Principal, "We had a good run with the APRC and I am proud to say that our team has achieved what we set out to do - to make a lasting impression on Asia Pacific's rally circuit."
The departure of MIRT will undoubtedly close a significant chapter in the history of the Motor Image Racing Team.
Said Mr. Tan Keng Hock, Managing Director, Motor Image Racing Team, "All the success during our involvement with the APRC could not have been possible without a good team of outstanding people behind us. We've also received tremendous support from the fans and we would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for their enthusiasm and dedication."
Motor Image Racing Team wishes the Asia Pacific Rally Championship all the best for the upcoming seasons.

my main question would be ----> WHY!?
guys any comments or news regading this matter?

[speed unlimited]

Motor Image Racing Team (MIRT), sponsored by Motor Image Enterprises, will no longer participate in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) after finishing the 2009 season, ending its decorated three-year association with the rally.
I dont know what the reason but subaru cars are well known as rally cars and lot of potential but this coming Manila International Motor Show They will sponsor Russ Swift Exhibition show here are some pictures.

[niky]

Probably money. We are still recovering from a recession.

[ghosthunter]

The reason is money. It costs a lot of money just to maintain a single car through an entire racing season. And money spent on the racing team doesn't directly translate to better sales of the cars.

Spending the same money on publicity stunts like the driving exhibition by Russ Swift seems to generate better publicity for the brand.

[pup2]

Money issues lead them to do an MJ eh. Sayang di na sila maka go for a 5-peat. I hope they don't stop too long though. While the rally participation doesn't translate to sales directly, pag tumagal yan magkaka epekto din siguro.

Pero apparently, di totoo na kaya sila umatras sa WRC ay dahil di manalo si Solberg lately. Yun nga lang sayang yung 5-peat talaga.

[eggman]

Nasa IRC ang Subaru Rally Team pero ibang division sila pero sa IRC mas powerful at mas reliable ang S2000 Peugeots,Skodas,Fiat Abarths at Fords na IRC Rally cars!

Wala namang masyadong competition sa APRC at baka nagsawa na ang Motor Image sa mga panalo nila lagi.