The BNT Mason Motorsport Team of Richard and Sara Mason will be shooting for a fifth straight victory at their 'home' round of the New Zealand Rally Championship [NZRC] - the Trust House Racetech Rally Wairarapa - this weekend July 18 and 19.
Since the Masterton-based event became part of the national series in 2005 the local heroes have dominated the leaderboard regardless of the prevailing conditions, as it has been run in anything from the dust of April (last year) to the wet of winter in August (2006).
"We really don't care what the weather has in store for us, because we just love getting out on our local roads and 'turning it on' for all our hometown supporters," said Richard.
"And with what happened at Whangarei [having to retire when holding a commanding lead late on Day Two] 'turning it on' is now our only option if we are to win the NZRC this year."
That turbo problem means the Masterton Flyers will cross the start ramp at the Copthorne Solway Park on Friday night 27 points behind, rather than 22 in front, so a fifth consecutive win on home soil is essential if they are to keep their championship hopes alive.
"We really can't control what everyone else does, so the best we can do is just that - our best - and in this case, that means taking the maximum points possible by winning this weekend, and so create as much pressure as we can on those around us.
"We love a challenge and we know we, and our BNT Subaru, are up for it, especially when Andrew [last year's outright winner Andrew Hawkeswood] was set to return to defend his title as well.
"Our battles with him are always great fun and it's unfortunate he's withdrawn, as it was sure to have made this weekend very exciting indeed....both for us and the spectators......"
The Trust House Racetech Rally Wairarapa is the fourth and penultimate round of this year's Vantage Aluminium Joinery New Zealand Rally Championship.
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