Erika Detota along with navigator and coach, Jason Smith had another podium finish in 2WD and placed sixth overall at the Prescott Rally, 01 – 02 October, in Prescott, Arizona. This win secured this crew the National 2WD United States Rally Championship titles. Detota is excited to be a part of a handful of women drivers to win rally titles. “I hope to inspire other women and girls to be involved in sports and racing.”
The Prescott Rally is known for picturesque long stages with a mixture of fast, flowing terrain, varying surface conditions and some of the most extreme drop-offs in the series. “The stages were fantastic, but mentally challenging: these are the longest and most difficult stages I have ever run,” said Erika. “We ran two of Friday’s night stages along really dangerous sections of the road, and the dust made it so hard to see that we could only use low beams.”
In addition to a Championship win and podium finish, the team also received the Carl Merrill Sportsmanship Award. The memorial award is in remembrance of the accomplished and beloved rally driver who tragically passed at Prescott Rally 12 years ago and is given annually to the team who best embodies the spirit of the past champion. The honour is “beyond words” said the team “and is truly a special accomplishment for us to continue Merrill’s legacy.”
The 2010 season, Detota’s first as a driver, proved to be an “unqualified success” said Smith, himself an accomplished driver. “It has been a pleasure to watch Erika grow as a driver.”
USRC is unique by offering events in two regions with a championship rally allowing Atlantic and Pacific teams to compete for titles. Detota and Smith participated in the Atlantic Division where they raced on three surfaces this year. From ice, tarmac to gravel this team showed strength in quickly adapting to diversity of terrain for an impressive first year.
Erika and Jason would like to congratulate their fellow champions in the 2010 USRC season and thank their supporters and sponsors. Broken Motorsports for helping to maintain and build their car as well as providing much needed crew support; Robert Cella for his generous investment in the team. Big Boulder Park, RallyArmor, Team O’Neil and Keep A Breast Foundation for their continued support.