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.
Christchurch’s Dylan Thomson has continued his increase in speed at the third round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, the Lone Star Rally Canterbury.
After three seasons in a two-wheel drive Ford Fiesta, Thomson and co-driver Amy Hudson moved into the Specialised Auto Services Subaru Impreza STi for the 2019 season and in line with their season plan to learn the new car, have upped the pace at each event to date.
Having made some improvements with the car in the break between Whangarei and Canterbury, Thomson was immediately more comfortable and was able to set the sixth fastest time on the opening stage.
As the day wore on, Thomson became involved with fellow junior driver and four-wheel drive debutant Jack Hawkeswood. After the third stage, Thomson trailed by five seconds, the following stage, he led by two seconds, extending that margin on the next stage by a further half second as the pair battled for the final spot in the top five.
That battle continued as the event headed back into the forest and competing under the cover of darkness, Thomson setting the fourth fastest time on the final stage to come home in sixth place, just 6.8 seconds away from a top five finish.
“Every time we get in the Specialised Auto Services Subaru it just gets better and better. This year we aren’t chasing results, just taking the chance to learn four-wheel drive, so it’s certainly pleasing to be going this well so far,” says Thomson. “It was great fun battling with Jack too, we had some good battles in two-wheel drive last year so it’s great to carry that on this year.”
Thomson and his team now head to the Stadium Finance Rally South Canterbury, where he will look to maintain his fourth position in the championship.
Dylan Thomson Rallysport’s campaign is supported by Total Lubricants, Riordan and West Transport Pukekohe, Drew + Accounting, Harrier Signs, Specialised Auto Services, Steelrite Framing, LJ Hooker, Fowler Homes South Auckland and New Zealand, AA Autocentre Hornby, Jivan Produce, Dunlop, Dixcel and Braketech.
Press Release by BB Media
