Aside from being on his ‘‘bucket list’’, Otago Rally’s two-pass reconnaissance was a key factor in attracting Australian Brendan Reeves to Dunedin.
The rally’s reputation precedes it, but for Reeves, widely regarded as Australia’s fastest rally driver, being able to be on a level playing field with his rivals is a key ingredient to success.
‘‘The Otago Rally roads are really fast and cresty, so the chance to look at the stages twice before the rally gives me a good opportunity of matching the local guys,’’ Reeves said.
‘‘Small set up intricacies, like having the driver’s seat a little higher so you can see a little further over the crests, will all make a difference on this rally.’’
Reeves will drive a locally-prepared Ford Fiesta AP4 in the event, a car that he’s developing for the Stokes Motorsport team. The team is operated by former national champion and past Otago Rally winner Brian Stokes.
Budget allowing, Reeves and his co-driving sister, Rhianon Gelsomini, will contest all but one round of this year’s New Zealand Rally Championship, missing round two at Whangarei due to their entry in Targa Tasmania with the factory Hyundai Australia team.
‘‘Developing a new car and finishing in the top three won’t be easy,’’ Reeves adds.
‘‘I love the New Zealand championship though, and any chance I get to drive on these fantastic roads is a real thrill.
‘‘I’ve always wanted to do the Otago Rally, and when the opportunity came up this year it was too good to pass up.’’
Reeves will test the Fiesta in the days leading up to the rally, but knows he’ll have to work hard for a result.
‘‘With Hayden Paddon not registering for NZ championship points this year it levels things for the rest of the guys,’’ he says.
‘‘I’m really looking forward to the battle with the likes of Ben Hunt, David Holder, Matt Summerfield and Andrew Hawkeswood, who are all experienced competitors in proven cars.’’
He says that the famous Kuri Bush stage, which this year is the event’s ‘‘power stage’’, will be critical in his title push, particularly if he’s missing round two of the series.
‘‘The power stage is worth an extra five championship points, so winning that will be vital, although it’s just the fourth stage of the rally, so that adds yet another variable,’’ he said.
- by Peter Whitten
Photo: Supplied
