Cox battles to strong finish at Wairarapa

Cox battles to strong finish at Wairarapa

Rotorua’s Sloan Cox has battled with an ill handling car to take fourth place at the final round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, the Trusthouse Racetech Rally Wairarapa.

Along with co-driver Sarah Coatsworth, Cox entered the Masterton-based event with confidence after some recent strong results, but a reoccurring problem with the centre differential meant that the team made the late decision to lock the centre diff prior to the event.

Starting third on the road, Cox battled both fog and dust on the opening special stage, surviving a high-speed spin, with only Cox’s quick reflexes keeping the car out of a ditch. Despite the moment, Cox was still fifth fastest.

While the Taslo Engineering Mitsubishi Evo 10 was handling more like an older Evo 6, Cox wasn’t able to maintain his pace from earlier in the season, but a mature and consistent drive saw the 21-year old keep in touch with the cars in front and waiting to pounce on any mistakes or problems endured by his rivals.

By days end, Cox and Coatsworth claimed a solid fourth place finish to round out a limited 2013 season.

"This was the first time I have had to drive the Taslo Engineering Evo 10 like an older Evo, but I’m not one to give up and I learnt a lot about driving in different ways when needed,” said Cox. "I still really enjoyed the event as the roads are fantastic, even after having to learn to drive them completely differently."

The Cox Motorsport team have contested just three of the six events in the 2013 NZRC but have shown impressive pace with consistent podium stage times and learnt more about what is required to be competitive in the series. The team are now considering their options going into 2014.

ENDS

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