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.
Clearwater Painting Renovating & Decorating Mainland Rally Series leader Richard Baddock is heading to the popular Catlins Rally this weekend (9th August) hoping to maintain his overall lead in the series. But will have some very good competition for the overall win with the two locals Rhys Gardner and Carter Strang hoping to spoil Baddocks championship winning ways.
Baddocks confidence will be high going into the weekend after winning the latest local Canterbury sprint up against fellow mainland series competitor Matt Summerfield who won’t be making the trip south. Baddock will have to be driving well to beat the 2012 Catlins rally winner Rhys Gardner, though Rhys has be troubled with issues with his Mitsubishi of late, he will be no doubt pushing hard for the overall win. The locals Carter Strang in his Mitsubishi and Derek Ayson in his Ford Escort may also be ones to look out for an overall result with their local knowledge.
In the classes Brendon Fisher will be hoping to extend his Class A (0-1300cc) championship lead with a finish. Marcus Van Klink & Tony Gosling will be battling for Class C (1601cc +) honours. Others to keep an eye on will be championship sponsor David Clearwater in his Mitsubishi Evolution who will be trying to beat current Class E (pre 2000 4WD) leader Russell Burgess.
The first car leaves the start at Owaka Motors in Owaka at 9am on Saturday (9th August) to go take on 160kms of racing spread over 8 special stages, while the final stage again takes place at the extremely popular spectator friendly Riverside Reserve in Balclutha at 3.40pm that afternoon.
