A little bit sideways Rallying in New Zealand, where we like to get A Little Bit Sideways! Up to date Rally News from teams around the country together with event reports.
Young star Ari Pettigrew is set to take on his first rally appearance in a 4wd car. After claiming category 3 (open 2wd) of the New Zealand Rally Championship. Pettigrew is entered to take on the returning Rally Hawkes Bay in Brian Green’s Mitsubishi Mirage AP4, thanks to the support of Andrew Simms Mitsubishi.
Ari says, “It’s been a dream of mine to compete in one of these high-level cars, I am very fortunate to be given the opportunity to compete in one of the country’s best AP4 cars built by the team at Ralli-Art in their Mitsubishi Mirage AP4.”
10 years on, Rally Hawkes Bay returns to the New Zealand Rally Championship. After the event’s big hiatus, few competitors will attend with prior knowledge. This puts Pettigrew in a strong position.
Commenting “It will be great to contest the high-quality New Zealand Rally Championship field on relatively even playing field with most competitors including myself competing there for the first time. We will be heading into the event with a conservative mindset, as we are there to enjoy the opportunity and gain valuable experience.”
After 5 years of hardship, Ari’s experiences have grown him into one of New Zealand’s young talents. After proving his pace in his BMW, Ari looks to show his consistency in the Mirage AP4.
Through the support of current New Zealand Rally Championship leader, Hayden Paddon and many other key supporters, Ari brings a combination of raw talent and Paddon’s experience. Hayden comment’s “Ari is an extreme talent, to me, he can be a New Zealand champion, but his partners and I believe there is a strong future outside New Zealand”.
Ari says “The goal for the weekend is just about gaining experience in a 4wd car, there will be a lot to learn. But I cannot wait for the new challenge alongside the country’s best drivers.
Ari will compete in Rally Hawkes Bay, round four of the New Zealand Rally Championship, which will take place in the Napier region on the 24th of July.
Media release by Jack Smith
