New Zealander, Mike Young, is looking forward to this weekend’s Malaysian challenge, round three of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship.
The young Kiwi has had a difficult start to the season, but he and his Cusco squad are raring to go ahead of the first Asian challenge of the season.
In the midst of his pre-event testing schedule, Young spoke about the challenge that lies ahead this weekend.“It’s very exciting to be rallying in Asia again,” Young told RallySport Magazine.
“I enjoy the challenge of having to drive in hot and often rough conditions. It teaches you to be fast when it matters and look after the car at the same time.”
Mike Young is prepared for the hot Malaysian conditions. Photo: Cori Mitchell
The Vitz driver has competed in Malaysia seven times, the first being in 2012.
It will be this weekend where he will be looking to cement his spot as an APRC front runner, with the reliability issues of the Vitz AP4 hopefully behind him.
“Malaysia is extremely tough, not just on the car, but on yourself as it is so hot,” he said.
“It can get to over 50 degrees inside the car. For a driver, the challenge is to master the roads and prepare yourself to be fit enough to handle the heat.”
“If it rains here then the surface turns to (like) ice. There is deep ditches and palm oil trees everywhere that could end your rally,” he added.
He and co-driver, Malcolm Read, retired from the International Rally of Whangarei with engine issues, but recovered in Canberra to be running well before a final stage disaster forced them out of the event.
“We are completely focussed on the Johur Rally now,” he confirmed
“They (the team) have given our Toyota Vitz a good birthday with a new clutch, rear diff and rear suspension,” he concluded.
The International Rally of Johur (Malaysia) runs this coming weekend, where the top APRC competitors will race for overall honours in one of the toughest rallies of the season.
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