The 2019 Mainland Rally Series kicks off this weekend with the Westland Rally taking place on Saturday. Josh Marston (Holden Barina AP4) heads up a strong line-up of entries with many using the event as a shake-down for the opening round of the 2019 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, Rally Otago in three weeks time.
Marston won a close fought 2018 Mainland Rally Series ahead of fellow Cantabrians Jeff Judd and Matt Summerfield.
Summerfield and Jared Hudson (Subaru WRX) won the Stadium Finance 2018 Westland Rally. The Canterbury pair were able to hold off three-time winner Darren Galbraith and Rocky Hudson (Evo 8) by just 4.5 seconds. Third home was veteran campaigner Jeff Judd and co-driver Sarah Brennan (Subaru WRX).
Back to defend his 2WD win last year is the Mazda RX8 of Marcus Van Klink. Along with local Graham Ferguson and Regan Ross (Ford Escort), the three enjoyed swapping position over the nine stages in 2018 with Ferguson beating Ross by just 11 seconds to win the classic section.
The rally is based in the Grey and Westland Districts and comprises of eight special stages totalling approx 105 km, with approx 242 km of touring.
The first car gets away on Saturday 23rd March at the Recreation Hotel, 68 High Street Greymouth, at 09:00 hours and is expected back in Greymouth at 16:05.
The Mainland Series consists of six events. After this weekends event, competitors will compete at Rally Otago (13-14 April), Rally Canterbury (2 June), South Canterbury Rally (22 June), Nelson Rally (14 July) and Rally Hanmer (31 August). Points from the best five from Six rounds will determine the overall and class winners.
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