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.
Here’s a little write up from Richard Baddock on his Otago Rally :
Righto, time for Rally Otago write up! Overall an awesome and successful weekend! Day 1 saw very fast and flowing public roads with many sections rewarding those with big commitment. I added a new front diff to the car and played with the rear so was a bit off the pace at the start dealing with a car that no longer wanted to go so sideways haha. We then struck our first small issue with a coil pack failure that caused us to complete the next 2 stages running on 3 cylinders so lost a bit of time there but never mind. Got the car fixed and finished the day out with a 6th overall on the power stage which was mint. Got a puncture on the last gravel stage on Saturday but fortunately was near the end so we just drove on it.
Sunday the roads changed completely, much narrower, rougher and slippery in places. Was a bit off the pace all day because honestly I’m just lacking a bit of the old experience to really push on roads like that but time will fix that! Car developed a leaky wastegate that lost us a bit of low down power in the tight stuff which was a pain but not a major. In the end we finished up 7th in NZRC and 8th overall which we are very happy with!
Jason Karl Anderson was back in the co-drivers seat for a one off appearance this year, he did an excellent job even despite being very unwell during the long 42km forest stage.
I was lucky to have an extra big service crew this time with Logan Cornish, Blake Welsh, Josh Jamieson, Dave Read,Joseph Weston, Billy Vesley and Daniel Burgess. You guys did an excellent job all weekend and Jason and i saw the end of the weekend as a result of your efforts.
Special thanks to Chris MacIver for making the weekend possible, shame you weren’t able to be there mate!Lachlan Baddock who is the man behind PCASHT’s new graphics. Billy for paying for too many things he shouldn’t have! And to my sponsors: Alcala Motor Lodge for our accommodation, Gull Fuel,James McKnight at Action Signs for making the car look the business! Very sorry if I have missed anyone!
We now focus our attention to Canterbury Rally on the 31st May/1st June, round 3 of the championship!
In car footage up soonish.
