Well here we are again with Christmas 2006 now here. It seems like it was only a few months ago that I was writing my 2005 Christmas message. Time has gone quick this year, I suppose with so many rallies 24 in total that it's kept me busy.

I have had a great year, codriving at the highest level in Australia in the Australian Rally Championship alongside Gerald Schofield achieving 3rd in the BP Privateers Championship. Have also codriven for Peter Jerie in the ACT Series helping him to the Clubman title. Sat alongside Graeme Shaw in the tarmac events including Mt Buller, Rally Tasmania, Lake Mountain and the ill fated Targa West.

2006 has been a year of highs and lows, with our first ever outright win at the Minidulla rally, some big crashes and some not so big crashes. Graeme and I were very lucky not to go over the edge in Tasmania on the famous Hellyer Gorge. Peter and I had a big one at Taree but only damaged the car not ourselves. There were numerous moments during the season but if you don't have moments you're not going hard enough.

We mourn the passing of a legend Peter Brock at Targa West. This was very hard on us as competitors but the show must go on. Brocky was and always will be one of my heroes. He inspired me to follow my dreams and I have done so. To remember Brocky I have instigated the Follow your dreams award which this year will be awarded to Peter Jerie for achieving the feat of winning ACT Clubman and NSW Clubman titles in the same year.

I had a couple of drives this year, wasn't very happy during the Safari as I drove like crap but we did finish inside the top 20 which was our goal for the event. I was ably codriven by Andrew Buerckner who did a great job in telling me speed up and me not listening. Highlight of the event was the looks on people's faces when we arrived at the finish, we looked like we had been out rolling in the dust:).

Had a guest ride with Derek Reynolds at the DNFUC rally in Victoria, we were going well until clutch problems then overheating problems. Still managed to finish even after stopping in stage to let the car cool down and filling the radiator with all the fluids we had. Cruised to the finished after finding out the only way out of the forest was through the stages, passed quite a few broken down cars on the last two stages and picked up a heap of positions and 3rd Group N.

Andrew was a great help during the year with getting the car prepared for events, he also joined our ARC crew for all the fly away rounds and was an integral part of the team. Andrew is also now a qualified shed builder after helping me erect the new shed. Andrew will be driving the new Bakermotorsport Charade in 2007 before a full on assualt in 2008 on the Novice Championship.

That's right there are 2 Charade's in the team now, as the recently purchased Charade will be built into F16 specs for Andrew to drive. The new car is a 4 door with the 4 cylinder engine, has a bit of pedigree having won it's class at Rally Oz many years ago.

2006 has been the year of my being President of the Brindabella Motor Sports Club, we are the biggest rally club in the area with over 200 members. It has been a tough gig doing this job but I have learnt a great deal and had a great committee around me. Has been something that am proud to have done and may do again in the future. 2007 I will be stepping back from being President and concentrating on Publicity work with the club.

It has been a busy year at work with many changes, moving into a new role in the Transport/Industry sector has been quite hard, especially now dealing with such big customers compared to what I was doing. It has been a challenging year but a very rewarding one that has enabled me to do so much rallying.

2007 looks like being another busy year, with more emphasis on driving, aiming for a land speed record in the Charade, doing ACT Clubman and codriving for Graeme in the tarmac events. Will also have the odd ride with Peter Jerie when our events don't clash. I will also be concentrating on the Speedbitz.com development and growth along with the new 4Kam Australia agency.

I would like to thank a lot of people for their help and inspiration over 2006, Gerald Schofield for making it possible to compete in the ARC, Peter Jerie for all the fun rides this year, Graeme Shaw for the tarmac experience. Can't forget all the guys in the team that helped during the year, Colin Hill, Jimmy, Graham, Simon, Craig Neale, Andrew, Erk and Mum for helping out at ROM.

I have made many new friends this year and am proud to be a part of this great rally community. It has been great competing in all the different states, yes I have competed in all the States this year. I even did 5 events in Victoria.

Well I suppose that's enough from me for now, I better head off down to Victoria to spend some time with the family.

Wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Ray Baker