Lucy Unlucky!

Team Dilusi competed in their final Rally of the year at last weekends, Rally of the North on Saturday the 15th of October.

The Team driver, Kerikeri local Kingsley Thompson and his Whangarei based Codriver, Aaron Conaghan, stuck to their game plan by storming through the very first stage, Oromahoe, to take a lead of 12 seconds over the next fastest competitor.

They then went on to convincingly win Stage 2, Kohukohu and hold a 17 second leading margin. The boys luckily managed to maintain a 13 second lead going into the lunchtime service despite an ill feeling codriver in Stage 3 and 4 slowing their progress a little.

With a much anticipated one hour lunch break allowing the team to regroup. They then attacked Stage 5 and took another 5 seconds out of the other competitors over this 11 kilometre test, which meant they now held a commanding 18 second lead.

20 kilometres into the next Stage and their luck was about to change, with only two more Stages to complete they suffered a broken rear diff (differential) which meant the team was stranded in the Stage and unable to continue.

“When I heard the loud clunking noises coming from the rear of the car my heart sunk, I knew it was all over!” states a dejected Thompson.

The result was that they had to wait for the Stage to finish before the crew could get in to them and tow the stricken ‘Lucy’ back to Kerikeri, so their rally was done!

“We are extremely happy with the pace we showed today against a top class field in some very fast cars. We will continue to build on this as a spring board leading into next year’s National Championship,” concludes Thompson. “Our ultimate goal is to WIN the National Championship!!”

The team are currently on the hunt for sponsors that will help them secure their 2012 campaign. Thompson’s dedication, drive and passion to excel in this sport will see him lead the team to the top.

Congratulations to Dylan Turner from Auckland, for taking the overall Rally win.

Thompson will also be running Hot Seat Rides over the holiday season. If you are interested in going for a ride in the car at race pace visit www.teamdilusi.co.nz and get in contact.

The team would like to express a special thanks to Sky Dive Zone BOI, Halvo Signs, Keith Andrews Trucks, Repco Kerikeri and Toll for generously supporting them to compete at this event and are looking forward to taking them for a blast in ‘Lucy’ as special thank you!

ENDS