Game On Lucy!

Game On Lucy!

With the Rally of the North this weekend, Saturday the 15th, Kerikeri locals, Team Dilusi are aiming for a podium finish in what is their home Rally.

Paihia will host the event, with the ceremonial start kicking proceedings off on Saturday morning at 7am. The competitors then head West to the Hokianga and eventually finish back in Paihia after battling 180 kilometres worth of Special Stages over the course of the day.

Last years winner Ben Jagger will start first on the road with Team Dilusi driver, Kingsley Thompson starting in the second spot, followed by a contingent of challengers all vying for the win! After completing some recent pre event testing in preparation for this coming weekend, the Team are confident in the car and have made some improvements to help cope with the loose gravel they will encounter.

“Our high road position is perfect for us as we will be able to see Bens race lines when we come through, so will definitely be an advantage” grins Thompson. “Of course, local knowledge of the roads also helps.”

The teams’ Mitsubishi Evo 10, affectionately known as ‘Lucy’ has been meticulously checked over in preparation for this gruelling event by the Team Manager, Grant Clearwater. Grant is also a Kerikeri resident and his attention to detail helps when making continual improvements to the car which is crucial in allowing Lucy to perform at the optimum level and to battle for top honours.

Any one of the top ten drivers has the ability to win this event which means the pressure will be on from the very first Stage, which starts at 7:15am from Paihia.

Starting 5th at the last National Championship round in Napier a few weeks ago the Dilusi Team worked their way up to place 2nd overall midway through Sunday, which is proof that the Thompson/Conaghan pairing has what it takes to do well. Having Northland resident Aaron Conaghan on board again, to carry out the co-driving duties as he did at Napier, means the team are confident of being fast out of the blocks.

“We are looking to gain an advantage in the first Stage ‘Oromahoe’ which is 15km long.”

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.

For all the grit and gravel come along this Saturday and support your local Team and witness the sheer spectacle of thrill-a-minute motorsport!

Go to www.teamdilusi.co.nz and get behind your local Team

For Rally information visit www.rallyofthenorth.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media