GROUND HOG DAY FOR MASON & RANDALL AT WRC RALLY NEW ZEALAND
By Chris Grant
2nd September, 2007
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Photographer: Euan Cameron - SS11 |
Having started the day in 8th place, they powered their bright yellow BNT Subaru back up through the Production World Rally Championship [PWRC] field to be second with just one stage to go.
Along the way the Masterton Flyers recorded a second PWRC stage win, and posted two more thirds and a fourth before suffering a serious gearbox problem on the next [final] county stage - ironically one of Richard's favourites - Te Akau North, west of Hamilton.
"We were running exactly to plan and had worked ourselves all the way back up and poised to regain the lead of the PWRC just like yesterday, but unfortunately about 10k [kilometres] from the finish the gearbox jammed in second gear and we were forced to limp out, losing around 90 seconds and three places.
"That made the trip back to service at Mystery Creek with only first and second gear, a rather noisy and slow affair, but we got there and the Boys [the Richard Mason Motorsport Team] took over."
"I must say what a fabulous job our guys did getting the gearbox changed, plus everything else we normally do at the 45 minute end of leg service. They got us back out on time and kept us Penalty [Time] Free. They were all just brilliant!."
"It was amazing how many people gathered round our area to watch the service in the cold and dark," said Sara. "Richard and I are staggered at how much support we have had everywhere on the rally from everyone. We have even been getting chased by helicopters through the stages and you can see the spectators cheering us on. It all means so much to us."
Richard and Sara now find themselves virtually back where they started Leg Two, 2 minutes behind the PWRC leader and 30 seconds adrift of the first Kiwi.
"We showed today that we can fight back, so I guess we can use that as a practice run for tomorrow and just make sure if we win another PWRC stage we dont make it a 'Threepeat' and follow it up with a bad one."
"I really dont think our supporters could stand it happening yet again. Whaanga Coast has 'bitten' me the last two times I have driven it, so hopefully this year we can get our revenge out around Raglan and reward our Team by still grabbing the best result possible."
Next.... Photo Album
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