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.
Going into this weekends 4th round of the Clearwater Painting and Decorating Mainland Rally Series, Richard Bateman is hoping to extend his current championship lead with his closest rivals having not entered this round. A good result for Bateman this weekend will give him an assailable lead in the MRS going into the last round.
Bateman is the favourite to take out this weekends MRS part of the Caitlin’s Coast Rally both ove…rall and in Class D (4wd) but will have Jason Clark keeping him honest for the class win. In class F (2wd classics) Regan Ross with a not so usual co-driver Marcus Van Klink will be the favourite to take the class win but will have the likes of Graham Ferguson, Roger Townshend, Jeff Judd and Deborah Kibble all fighting to take a class placing. A finish for Deane Buist will see him take out class c (2wd 1601-over) for the 2015 MRS.
Class E (pre 2000 4wd) is turning into a close class battle again in 2015, current class leader Russell Burgess will be hoping to collect good points after his DNF at Canterbury Rally. But within 4 points of Burgess is Phill Collins & David Gee who will be hoping to take points off Burgess and have the class lead going into the final round.
Class B (1301-1600cc) there will be a great class battle between Andrew Gillies & Nigel Tyson who are the top 2 drivers in the MRS class & a top finish for Greg Noye may see him into 3rd place overall in the class. Phil O’Brien & co-driver Dave Brien will need a finish to wrap class A (0-1300cc) for the 2015 MRS.
The 4th round of the Clearwater Painting and Decorating Mainland Rally Series, Catlins Coast Rally starts on Saturday morning with the first stage starting at 9.20am and stage 2 the power stage starting at 9.50am.
If you would like to keep and eye on the results in can all be found on www.chrissport.co.nz
by
Hamish Anderson
