27 May 2006

 

Attention Sports Editors

 

Mason holds off internationals in Hella Rally of Rotorua

 

New Zealand champion Richard Mason is holding off the internationals midway through the first day of the Hella Rally of Rotorua today.

Mason (Masterton) holds a 5.9sec lead over top seed and three times Australian champion Cody Crocker after four special stages east of Rotorua.

The Kiwi leads a Subaru trifecta with 2004 New Zealand champion Chris West (Auckland) back in third place 1m 06.7s behind from the leader.

The field has been challenged by driving rain that has fallen continuously throughout the day making conditions slippery and challenging, especially in the iconic Motu stage in Eastland, one of the longest in world rallying.

The conditions have taken their toll with 16 cars out of the rally in the first three stages that included the 48km Motu stage.

There are two further special stages to complete leg one before the competitors return to Rotorua tonight, with a further six special stages near Rotorua tomorrow.

 

Richard Mason & Sara Randall at Rotorua, Leg 1
Photo: Euan Cameron

For further information:

Ian Hepenstall, Sports Media NZ, Tel 0275 613181, E: ianhep@xtra.co.nz