A change in sponsorship has seen the Stephen Barker Motorsport team working around the clock in order to prepare the team’s Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6, replacing the Evo 4 used at Hawkes Bay, the opening round of the New Zealand Rally Championship.
The pairing of Stephen Barker and Brett Lightfoot had a fantastic opening leg, finishing the opening day inside the top ten in the older car. Similar pace on the second day was unfortunately ended with rear differential failure.
Unfortunately, a suspension failure prematurely ended the team test day before any progress could be made with the new car. However Barker, who will be making his first visit to Otago, for this weekend's event, is prepared to be off the pace slightly in order to make the finish and gain the valuable points on offer.
With the new car comes new sponsors in the form of Baker Boys Wholesale Nursery, Craig Howser Panel and Paint, Te Rapa Automotive Repairs and Green Web that join existing sponsors Rintoul Civil, Wynns, Classic Cover Insurance and Waikato Signs. Without the valuable support of these sponsors, the Stephen Barker Motorsport team would not be able to pursue their dreams.
Also new before Rally Otago is the team's website, www.stephenbarkermotorsport.co.nz. Visit the website to find out more about the team, follow their progress, and view images after events.
Rally Otago starts on Friday, May 15Â with a rally show before the crews battle over 132 kilometres of special stages on Saturday. This is followed up with a further 123 kilometres before the teams cross the finish ramp on Sunday aftenoon.
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