After an exciting first round to the Total Lubricants Rally Xtreme Challenge the scene is now set for the second round to be even better. With 38 crews contesting Rally Xtreme having entered the Trusthouse Racetech Rally Wairarapa, the entry list is notable for the young guns who are studding the top of the seedings.

19 year old Lance Williams has only had one full season of rallying so far and yet his natural talent has shone through already. Recording 6th and 4th overall at other events so far this year is already a significant step up, with individual stage times having shown sparks of brilliance.

Meanwhile Phil Campbell returns to the Rally Xtreme Challenge having moved from two wheel drive to four wheel drive, in the form of a Mitsubishi Evo 9, for this year’s campaign. Phil is another who is showing a real turn of speed and will be pushing for line honours.

With the ding dong battle between Patrick Malley and Stewart Taylor set to resume from where it left off at Hawkes Bay, and Alex Kelsey looking to show the real potential of his Mad Creation 2, the competition will be full on. Especially when you add in the likes of Geoff Argyle, Graham Featherstone, Neil Marshall and Nigel Adams, who are all capable of podium results.

The two wheel drive classes are no less competitive and it is another youngster who is making headlines. Max Bayley has gone from his first season in a Toyota Levin last year to a Ford Fiesta R2 this year. The jump in mechanical technology has already seen a jump in his results.

But at Rally Wairarapa it won’t be new technology that will dominate two wheel drive. With the inclusion of the Malcolm Stewart Classic Rally there are a number of very fast classic contenders. This round sees Marcus van Klink in his Group B RX7 return to Rally Xtreme and he will be a prime contender for class honours.

Further down the two wheel drive field is a clutch of cars that will provide distinct variety for the viewing public. Brent Taylor will be out in his Toyota FT86, with Ric Chalmers in a Honda Civic and Anthony Jones in a Ford Escort all seeded just behind Taylor.

And it will be the competitors in the Open 2WD XT3 class that have the extra incentive at Wairarapa. Contesting the Pyroclassic Fires Power Stage, they will have 14.7kms to show their talent in Special Stage7, Mangaoranga. A fitting stage with fast open stretches at the start and finish, paired with a tight technical section in the middle.

Possum Bourne Motorsport are sponsoring Rally Xtreme for this round, and it looks like all eyes will be on the young drivers coming through the ranks. This fits in well with a new initiative for Rally Xtreme this year. Stephen Burley & Tanya Gwynne from Te Rapa Automotive Repairs Dyno Tuning Specialist are supporting a Junior Driver category, for drivers under 25 years who haven’t competed in a national championship before. The addition of Lance Williams and Max Bayley will certainly add spice to this category, where Johnathon Walker (Evo 4), Tyson Jemmett (Honda Civic) and McCrae Sloper (Honda Civic) took the top three places at the first round.

With 163km, over 9 special stages, Rally Wairarapa will certainly provide a challenge for the Total Lubricants Rally Xtreme competitors. Maps and spectator information is available at rallywairarapa.co.nz

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