Palmside declare first MRF outing a success

Palmside NZ Ltd have declared themselves happy with MRF Tyres after a pleasing performance across several vehicles at the Westland Rally over the weekend.

Having taken over sole New Zealand distribution rights for the tyre brand earlier in the year, Westland Rally represented the first opportunity to test and gather information on the tyres in competition conditions.

While the Palmside Escort driven by Deane Buist is normally a force to be reckoned with on the coast despite the handicap of two-wheel drive, engine problems hampered their event. Buist however commented in the mileage he completed that the tyres performed extremely well.

Also running the tyres on the brand new Holden Barina AP4+ car was Josh Marston, who was acting as the ‘000’ car, one of the cars that check the stages are safe for competition. Marston was particularly complimentary of the tyres, which both he and Greg Murphy will run throughout the New Zealand Rally Championship this year.

There were notable performances on MRF tyres with rallying debutant Garet Thomas climbing as high as fourth outright after two special stages in his older Mitsubishi Evo 3 and carrying on to claim tenth overall. Also charging hard was ex-pat Kiwi Mike Townshend, who were leading their class and ninth overall until bent suspension slowed their charge.

“All in all, we had a range of different vehicles with different tyres sizes run over the weekend and everyone who ran the tyres were really positive about their performance,” said Buist. “Although we didn’t get as much information as we’d like off our own car, we certainly are working out what compounds are going to work best in certain conditions and things like that, which is obviously important information to pass on to our customers.”

With stock due to arrive in the coming week and a test day planned later in the month, Buist feels Palmside is ready to tackle the season providing good quality tyres at an affordable price.