AYLING IN SEARCH OF SUPPORT TO MAKE STEP UP TO NZ RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2008
By Chris Grant
24th January, 2008
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Brad Ayling in EVOETA at the Rally of the North. |
Now the search is on to secure the only remaining element he needs to be on the start ramp of the opening round in April - the Funding to run the car that carried Mason and co-driver Sara Randall to 3rd in the Production World Rally Championship [PWRC] and first Kiwi home in the WRC Rally New Zealand last August.
"Having served our time in regional rallying, set our objectives, built up the team, and now got the car, we are working flat out to raise the backing necessary so we can give it our best shot this year," said the 25 year old Automotive Engineer.
"We are looking to build an on-going relationship with partners who are prepared to share our vision and enjoy one heck of a ride along the way, as we work together to pursue our mutual goals."
Richard commented, "Sara and I enjoy helping up and coming drivers, and have watched Brad's progress with interest. He has shown real potential, so we are going to do as much as we can to help him fast-track his way up through the field."
The deal with Mason means Brad will not only drive the fastest car in last year's Vantage Aluminium Joinery New Zealand Rally Championship [NZRC], but also have access to the experience and expertise of the Richard Mason Motorsport Team as an integral part of his assault on the NZRC Rookie title.
"I got my first chance to compete as a 17 year old. That really ignited my passion for the sport and I have wanted be part of the national championship ever since," said Brad.
"We had our sights set on 'EVOETA' earlier in the year after discussing it with Richard, and took the opportunity to drive it at the Rally of the North in October," said Brad. "I was immediately impressed with it. We were up with the front runners right from the start and, although our day was cut short, what time we did get behind the wheel really confirmed we are investing in the right car - and that Malcolm [Co-Driver Malcolm Read] and I can do justice to it."
"This was my first drive of a true Group N 4WD, having previously run a Mark 2 Escort and more recently Dad's [1990 NZRC Champion, Dave Ayling] Open Class Impreza in most of the regional rallies in the north island."
Although Brad will be appearing in this country's highest level of the sport for the first time, he feels his goal of winning the NZRC Rookie championship is very realistic, as his regional experience means he has already competed in several of the rallies that make up the six round series.
"Previous experience is vital, so that's why we went to Whangarei, Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay last year as part of our planning and implemention of our strategy for the next three years in the NZRC, which should see us fighting for overall honours in 2010."
"Richard and Sara's willingness to share their knowledge and experience was a cornerstone of the whole deal. Afterall, who better to have as your mentor than NZ's top rally team."
For further information please contact Brad Ayling on 021-733694
For New Zealand Rally Results & Information
Dates for the 6 rounds of the 2008 Vantage Aluminium Joinery New Zealand Rally Championship are -
#1 12-13 April 2008 Rally Wairarapa
#2 10-11 May 2008 Rally Otago
#3 7 - 8 June 2008 Rally Whangarei – FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship event
#4 26-27 July 2008 Rally Hawke's Bay
#5 28-31 August 2008 Rally New Zealand – FIA World Rally Championship event
#6 4 - 5 October 2008 Rally Nelson
For further information about the Vantage Aluminium Joinery New Zealand Rally Championship
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