The popular Rossendale Rally Team will return to the Otago Rally in 2007, with a two-car team.
Headed by team boss Brent Rawstron, the team has been unbeatable at the event in recent years, with Pasi Hagstrom and Jimmy McRae setting the pace in their BDA-engined Ford Escort RS1800s.
In 2006, the team ran three cars, with Italian ace Alex Fiorio driving a left-hand drive Porsche 911.
Rawstron had initially been talking about sitting out the 2007 Otago Rally, but according to rally spokesman, Roger Oakley, their enthusiasm is as strong as ever and they are looking forward to next year’s rally.
The team’s driver line-up is yet to be confirmed, but Oakley says that, like every other year, they are aiming for the stars.
“Next year the Rossendale Team are interested in doing something a little different, to add a new angle to the event,” he said.
"We are delighted to continue our partnership, which is borne out of mutual respect. After the 2006 event the Rossendale team offered to step back a little so we could consider future plans without feeling a sense of obligation to them. However, we have always been hugely impressed by their commitment and professionalism and are delighted that they are back for 2007," Oakley added.
Along with Hagstrom, McRae and Fiorio, previous international stars to contest the event include Juha Kankkunen, Hannu Mikkola and Russell Brookes.
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