Tauranga’s Phil Campbell heads to the fourth round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, Rally Gisborne, looking for a change in fortune after failing to finish twice at the past two rounds.
Campbell started the 2016 season looking to at least replicate his runner up spot in the 2015 championship, but has struggled with mechanical problems forcing him out of the previous two rounds while in strong positions.
Last year’s Gisborne event was an encouraging one for Campbell and co-driver Venita Fabbro, setting fastest split times in the opening stage until a problem with the drive train forced an early retirement. With the potential from last year in the back of his mind, Campbell is keen to turn his season around with a strong finish on the demanding Gisborne roads.
After a serious engine failure at the last round, The Roofing Store Mitsubishi has a brand new power plant and Campbell is confident the car is as good as it can be.
“I’m really looking forward to Gisborne, we’ve pretty much got a brand new car underneath us now so with any luck we should have a clean run. Having said that it is a very demanding rally and anything can happen,” says Campbell. “Last year we had really, really good speed so that’s encouraging heading back this year.”
The 2016 Rally Gisborne takes place on July 2. Crews take on six special stages totalling 150 kilometres before returning to Gisborne for the ceremonial finish at Reads Quay from 6.25pm.
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