Rallying’s young star in the making, Ari Pettigrew, has been handed the keys to a full campaign of category one in the New Zealand Rally Championship. Campaigning the ex-Greg Murphy Holden Barina AP4 alongside Paddon Rallysport.
Following a breakthrough 2021 championship winning performance. Taking 3 national titles – Open 2WD, Junior and Teams championships in his BMW. 22-year-old Pettigrew will step up to the pinnacle of New Zealand rallying in the Barina, now owned by Daniel Alexander of Manukau Auto Centre.
“There’s been a lot of people come out of the woodwork to support what I’m doing. They have seen what Hayden is achieving and I guess we’ve had similar support from people trying to get me where he is. So, it’s been awesome to have people getting behind me along the way and we couldn’t have done it without them.” Comments Pettigrew.
“Dan’s been a huge supporter of rallying in the past. And getting the opportunity to drive the Holden Barina from him has been amazing. I’m really grateful for the support and can’t wait for next season.”
As part of Pettigrew’s 2022 plans, he has New Zealand’s best mentoring the journey, Hayden Paddon, alongside the country’s most successful rally team, Paddon Rallysport, assisting the campaign.
‘In the last 2 years we have seen Ari grow a lot in our team, not just as a driver but also a person. He is very talented, and we will do as much as we can to use our experience to help him adapt and learn throughout the year, both the car and him.” Comments Paddon.
“In the very near future, he will be winning rallies and championships and we see him as a part of our team moving forward, so 2022 will be an important year to put the building blocks in place to make sure he has all the tools in his toolbox for the future.”
Paddon Rallysport will be major factor in this campaign. Running the car alongside Paddon’s National Championship title defence in the Hyundai i20 AP4. Through logistics, servicing, and engineering – Paddon is committed to drive both the team and Ari to a successful season.
With the 2022 championship set to kick off at Otago Rally in April, Pettigrew will be approaching passionate New Zealand motorsport fans to find the remaining budget to compete at the top. Despite the rally season coming to a close, Pettigrew will be busier than ever in anticipation for his first event.
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