Mason back to defend NZRC title
22 March 2012
Having won the Gold Star New Zealand Rally Championship title for the third time in 2011, Richard Mason and co-driving wife Sara have confirmed they will defend the title in 2012.
The Masterton-based couple will contest the five-round 2012 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, powered by Brother (NZRC) in their trademark bright yellow BNT-backed Group N-spec Subaru.
Rally of Whangarei 2012 Official Sponsors
“Thanks to BNT and all our other long term supporters, we are very pleased to be back to have the opportunity to go for our fourth national championship title,” says Mason, who will be competing in his eleventh national rally championship this year.
“We feel that the changes made to the points’ structure of the NZRC are for the better and, after consultation with BNT as to where they saw our partnership developing into the future, remaining at the 'sharp' end of New Zealand's most competitive rally series is where we will stay.
“And it is always a ‘special’ year when Brother Rally New Zealand is a round of the World Rally Championship. There is nothing like competing against top international crews to bring out the best in you and your team.”
Having won two of the three rounds in 2011, Mason adds: “As usual, we have done more research during the off-season as we strive to get the best possible setup and handling for our BNT machine and, as a result of what we have done, we are quietly confident 2012 will be another good year for us. However, no matter how much testing you do, it’s not until you start comparing stage times in the white-hot heat of an NZRC rally, that you really get to know just how quick you are actually going....” The Masons begin their title defence at the Brother International Rally of Whangarei, which is the opening round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, powered by Brother. From there they will contest events in Wairarapa, Otago and Gisborne as well as Brother Rally New Zealand in June.
Calendar: 2012 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, powered by Brother
Round 1 – 30 March to 1 April – Brother International Rally of Whangarei (NZRC / APRC)
Round 2 – 27 to 29 April – Trusthouse Racetech Rally Wairarapa (NZRC)
Round 3 – 25 to 27 May – DriveSouth Rally Otago (NZRC)
Round 4 – 21 to 24 June – Brother Rally New Zealand (NZRC / WRC and incorporating Possum Bourne Memorial Rally)
Round 5 – 25 to 26 August – Rally Gisborne (NZRC)
News, the rally itinerary, official rally map and spectator information are available from the event website www.rallywhangarei.co.nz