‘All or nothing’ for Marston in final championship battle

2 October 2013

‘All or nothing’ for Marston in final championship battle

With the final round of the New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC) fast approaching, Christchurch rally driver, Josh Marston, is keen to take the two-wheel-drive championship win, despite mere seconds separating him from his main rival, Phil Campbell.

Marston says this event will be all or nothing, with only a few points separating the highly competitive pair where the championship title will come down to the fastest man on the day.

"We have been going head to head against Phil [Campbell] at every event and he's always kept us on our toes. It’s made the season interesting but also means we need to finish here to be in with a chance," said Marston.

The Rubber Developments team have managed to clock up two rally wins, and several power stage wins, during the 2013 season yet a simple victory during the power stage in Wairarapa could seal the championship for the team.

"It has been so close during the season, that the bonus points scored in the power stage could actually determine the outcome of the entire championship. That's why it's so important we are on the pace straight away," said Marston.

The R2 Ford Fiesta that Marston has driven all year has not undergone any significant changes leading up to Wairarapa with Marston citing he's happy with the performance.

"The Rubber Developments R2 Ford Fiesta has been great all year. We've fine-tuned the setup of the car during the season and I'm now really happy with it and think it'll suit the roads in Wairarapa."

Marston has competed across the roads around Wairarapa for several years but a new one-day configuration this year means it will be more of a sprint from the first stage to ensure results, than the more typical two-day “take it easy” approach Wairarapa has been known for in the past.

"I'm comfortable on the Wairarapa roads because they're typically fast and flowing, which means we'll be able to carry good corner speed in the Fiesta. Keeping our speed up through corners is important to make sure we set the fast times because while the Fiesta handles very well, and can take corners with speed, they aren't great at quick acceleration."

Rally Wairarapa will start at 7.00 on Saturday 5th October. Marston and co-driver Rocky Hudson will then compete across 134 kilometres of closed special stages before finishing at the Copthorne Hotel in Solway at approximately 5.00pm.

Marston’s 2013 NZRC campaign is supported by Rubber Developments, RDL Performance, ILS, Castrol and Signwise.

Josh Marston’s 2013 NZRC Calendar
Round 1: 5-7 April, Drivesouth Rally of Otago
Round 2: 18-19 May, International Rally of Whangarei (Asia Pacific Rally Championship round)
Round 3: 29 June, Daybreaker Rally
Round 4: 10 August, Rally Canterbury
Round 5: 7 September, 10th Anniversary Possum Bourne Memorial Rally sponsored by Vantage
Round 6: 5 October, Rally Wairarapa

ENDS

© Scoop Media