Emma Gilmour will be doing double the driving duties at the Ashley Forest Rallysprint this weekend, with both her Citroën C3 and Suzuki Swift rally cars entered in the North Canterbury event.
Over the previous two years, the Dunedin rally driver has won the Rally 4WD class in her Citroën but returning this year, she has a different set of objectives for the elimination style event.
“I got through to the top 8 for the last two years, but I really want to get through to top 4 this weekend. I also definitely want to go sub-1-minute in both cars too. There’s a full field of 60 entries this weekend, so I don’t expect it to be easy!” Emma says.
She has been competing almost solely in her Citroën at national and local rally events, but when the opportunity arose to enter her Suzuki, which has been sitting mostly idle for the past four years, Emma jumped at it.
“I’m taking both cars because it allows me more opportunities to give back to everyone who has helped me out and to take my sponsors for rides.”
The Paddon Rallysport team has been readying Emma’s two rally cars, while independent engine tuner Mike Lynn has given the Suzuki a horsepower boost.
“The Suzuki will be running 350+ horsepower at Ashley Forest and I’ve entered it in the Unlimited 4WD category, which I’m really excited about.”
Emma will contest the Rally 4WD class in her Citroën, aiming to defend her 2024 and 2025 class victories. She has also enjoyed some recent success in the car, winning the inaugural four-round Hawkeswood Mining Deep South Rallysprint Series.
Emma rates the Ashley Forest Rallysprint as her second favourite event, following closely behind her home Otago Rally.
“I love taking part in Ashley Forest Rallysprint. It has such a great atmosphere and is an amazing venue for spectators to watch the cars roaring up and down through the trees on Saturday or Sunday. You can also watch it online for free via The Broadcast Co.”
The event will be run in an elimination style. There will be up to 4 qualifying runs for each competitor followed by an elimination series for the top 32, then the top 16, top 8, top 4 and top 2. The winner will be the competitor who achieves the fastest time in the top 2 run-off.
The gravel road course covers a total distance of 1.7 kilometres, 55% uphill, and 45% downhill.
Ashley Forest Rallysprint spectator information
- Gates open at 8am.
- Admission prices are: Saturday $10. Sunday $20. Weekend pass $25. Children under 12 free
- Eftpos will be available at the gate.
- Dogs are not permitted at the venue.
To watch the event live or on-demand:
- Create a free account: Head to the official broadcasting page on The Broadcast Co. to register.
- Stream Day 1: Access the qualifying runs via the Ashley Forest Rallysprint Day 1 Stream.
- Stream Day 2: Catch the dramatic knockout finals on the Ashley Forest Rallysprint Day 2 Stream.
Comments