Rally Wairarapa Features Fantastic Competitor Line-up

28 - 29 April 2012
Rally Wairarapa Features Fantastic Competitor Line-up

The release of the seeded entry list for the Trusthouse Racetech Rally Wairarapa confirms that this years event is shaping up to be one of the best yet. Certainly the breadth and depth of the entries - over a number of series - means that the competition will be hot, and the viewing spectacular.

“We are delighted with the entries”, says Entry Secretary Bruce Sollitt. “It is a testament to the hard work our team of volunteers have put into this event over many years to create a quality event”.

Of the 65+ entries at least 17 are entered in the Malcolm Stewart Classic Rally. As the classic rally scene continues to grow in NZ the classic entries at this event features everything from the potent RX7 of Marcus van Klink, through the usual range of Escorts and Starlets, to the Fiat 131 of Tony Aimers and the Audi Quattro of Ray Wilson.

With the Malcom Stewart Classic Rally being the first round of the Classic Challenge Trophy (partnered with the Otago Classic Rally) these drivers will be not only be looking for line honours in this event, but also as many points as possible for the trophy.

However, fighting for the overall rally title will be an exciting mix of competitors registered for the 2012 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, powered by Brother, the Total Lubricants Rally Xtreme Challenge, and the Geartech Central Region Rally Series. With Rally Wairarapa being the only opportunity to gain points in all three series at once, many will be looking to make the most of this points frenzy.

Hot on attack will be Alex Kelsey after his surprise championship win at the Brother Rally of Whangarei. His top seeding will see him start first on the road. A position he is unfamiliar with as he chases points for both the NZ Rally Championship and Rally Xtreme.

Joining Kelsey will be the crowd pleasing Group B Audi Quattro S1 coupled to the flamboyant driving style of Andrew Hawkeswood, as he too as entered the NZRC and Rally Xtreme.

Making the competition even more interesting will be the battle between the four former national rally champions. Chris West, Geof Argyle and Dean Sumner will be fighting it out with local hero Richard Mason, who is also the NZRC defending champion.

Mason will be looking to get his 2012 season back on track after a DNF at Rally Whangarei. Having almost taken out a mortgage on his home event, this will be his best opportunity to do so.

Adding spice to this contest will be the interest between the Group A cars of Argyle and Sumner as they compete in the Rally Xtreme Challenge, as opposed to the Group N cars of Mason and West in the NZRC.

Full spectator information, including maps and schedules are available from www.rallywairarapa.co.nz while live results will be on line at www.chrissport.co.nz.

Fast Facts
• Round 2 of 2012 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, powered by Brother
• Round 1 of Geartech Central Region Rally Series, (points scoring based on Saturdays results only)
• Round 1 of the Classic Challenge Trophy
• Round 1 of the Rally Xtreme Challenge
• 16 Special Stages, 8 on Saturday 28 April, and 8 on Sunday 29 April
• 240km of competitive Special Stages, 129km on Saturday, 110km on Sunday
• www.rallywairarapa.co.nz

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