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.
Richard Baddock may have already won the 2014 Clearwater Painting Renovating & Decorating Mainland Rally Series, but there are still some good battles to keep an eye on going into this weekend’s final round of the championship in Geraldine.
Richard Bateman seeded first on the road will be hoping for a good run to secure 2nd overall in the championship but will have Deane Buist, Darren Galbreith and Carter Strang on his tail all hoping to get an overall podium spot for the 2014 Mainland championship. Jeff Judd will be another to keep an eye on even though he’s not competing for a championship spot he could get amongst the front runners and claim some much wanted points.
In Class A (0-1300cc) Brendon fisher needs a finish to claim the class win and in Class B (1301-1600cc) Hamish Anderson has already secured 1st but Logan Stephens will be hoping for a finish to secure 2nd in the class, which would be a great result in his rookie season. Class C (1601+) Deane Buist has a commanding lead but an unlikely mistake could see Marcus Van Klink claim the class victory. In Class D (Open 4wd) Richard Baddock has claimed the class win but the battle is still on for 2nd and 3rd between Bateman, Galbreith, Strang and Jim McDonald.
The Class to really keep an eye on is class E (pre 2000) series sponsor David Clearwater currently in 3rd has to have a win to be an chance of class champion but 2nd place in the rally will be just enough for either Russell Burges (currently 1st in class) and Tim Harris (currently 2nd in class) to win the class championship. Matt Wright who showed some great speed at Catlins could be one to keep an eye on and jump into that 2nd spot to spoil any chance for others and give Clearwater the class championship win, with bonus points up for grabs on stage 6 the power stage and the number 1 spot still up for grabs between 3 drivers anything could happen.
The Spring Rally starts in Geraldine with the 1st car leaving for the stage 1 in Kakahu Forest at 11am. With the rally being 100% forestry roads competed over 76kms over 6 special stages it will make for an interesting day of rallying.
