• Keema Suzuki Team (Australian Rallysport News, May 1997)
• Keema's three car team (Brisbane Local Newspaper, March 1997)
• Ryman's Baleno (Auto Action, February 6-12, 1997)
• No Illusion for Henry (Motorsport News, January 17 1997 & Australian Rallysport News, February 1997)

For more information, please see our complete set of media releases.

Quick Fit director Nigel Chenoweth believes the recognition attracted by Queensland's only three- car rally team will equate to added exposure for Quick Fit's three Tyre Service outlets, located in the Brisbane suburbs of Mayne, Springwood and South Brisbane.

The Keema Suzuki Baleno GTX's of Tony Kabel / Greg Tebble and Rodney Cross / Tony Best made an excellent start to the 1997 Queensland Rally Championships, finishing first and second in class respectively in round 1 of the series, the Cooloola Classic Rally. The Kabel / Tebble car finished a commendable 7th outright, and first FWD car home.

The 1600cc Baleno of Henry Ryman / Rod Biggar did not make it's planned debut at the Cooloola Classic, with a slipped disk sidelining driver Ryman for the event. Round 2 of the Queensland Championships is Rally Queensland in May, which should see all three Keema Baleno's in action, providing that Ryman's back is given a chance to heal.

As well as competing in the Queensland Championship events, the additional Quick Fit Tyre Service support sees the team now considering entry into selected Australian Rally Championship events, with a round of the Australian Manufacturers Championships also a distinct possibility.

With input from Suzuki's Japanese motorsport wing, following a visit by driver and car owner Rodney Cross, the Keema team are keen to compare their performances with Australia's best in the upcoming Rally Queensland, which is round 2 of the Australian Rally Championships Super Series.

Tony Kabel and Rodney Cross, both 1996 Keema Rally Team drivers, will return in 1997 to compete in the state championship events in identical Suzuki Baleno GTXs. They will be joined by team newcomer Henry Ryman, who will run a 1600cc Suzuki Baleno in Group N rally trim.

Tony Kabel, driving his 1800cc Suzuki Baleno GTX, is a second generation rally competitor, with extensive experience in the Queensland rally championships. Tony will be co-driven by experienced local navigator Greg Tebble, returning after the pairings successful 1996 season.

Rodney Cross will also compete a Suzuki Baleno GTX in all state championship events. Rodney is a rally competitor with more than twenty years experience in the sport, and after his Baleno debut in 1996 is keen to attack the championship once more. Experienced Queensland navigator Tony Best will sit in with Rodney when his Australian Championship commitments allow.

Henry Ryman is a seasoned rally campaigner, with over 20 years experience in rallysport. He will drive the 1600cc Baleno, and is the newest member of the Keema team. Henry will be co-driven by Rod Biggar, a resident of New South Wales, who will commute to Queensland for each event.

The Keema Automotive Group have been involved in rallies for almost forty years, as both a supporter of rally events and rally teams. The 1997 season will see their biggest commitment to date, entering a three car team in the state championships.

The Queensland Rally Championships are run over five rounds throughout the state of Queensland. This will include "Rally Queensland", which is a round of the Australian Rally Championship Super Series and as such will see the Keema Rally Team competing at the highest level of Australian rallysport.

Ryman will rally the front-wheel-drive car as part of the Keema Automotive Group, adding to the current two-car team of Tony Kabel / Greg Tebble and Rob (sic) Cross / Tony Best.

Henry "Honda" Ryman made a name for himself may years ago in the Honda marque, and in 1996 entered at 1600cc Honda Civic sedan which proved indecently quick.

The 1600cc version of the Baleno three-door hatch he will campaign this year with Rob (sic) Biggar is expected to be substantially quicker straight out of the box.

The other two Balenos will be 1800cc versions.

1996 saw the Illusion team competing in a 1984 Honda Civic Sedan in Queensland Clubman and Queensland Rally Championship events. The highlight of the team's year was competition in Rally Queensland, taking second in class P1 in the event to eventual QRC champions John Spencer and Del Garbutt. Class placings in other rallies and class victories in two rounds of the Brisbane Sporting Car Club rallysprint series capped off a successful learning season for the team. Learning unfortunately also included some learning the hard way, with a couple of non-finishes towards the end of the season.

The team would like to thank 1996 sponsors Rocky's McWhirters News and Casket, The Very Fast Paintshop, and Dale Woodhall Cars for their outstanding support during the year.

Henry Ryman has had a 20 year association with Honda, having competed in and sold Hondas exclusively over that time. In 1997, the Hondas will make way for the 1996 model Suzuki. Navigator Rod Biggar, who has recently relocated to NSW for work reasons, is keen to continue navigating for the team, and will commute to Queensland for the team's rally commitments.

In 1996 the Illusion team supported the work of the Brisbane Youth Outreach Service, which provides support for Brisbane's homeless and troubled youths. The team will continue this support in 1997, by donating 25% of all cash sponsorship to the Brisbane charity, as well as assisting in other less material ways.

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