Testing the Cusco Toyota C-HR at Maramura Forest - click to watch video
Seasons Greetings Everyone!!
While we plan ahead to 2023 here’s a highlight video from some of the events we competed in this year, starting with my first attempt at OtagoRally, followed by Rally Montre in Japan - our first international event for two and half years and great to be back working with the Cusco Racing team and the Toyota C-HR.
Rally Montre was the first event with new co-driver Amy Hudson who did an absolutely awesome job considering it was her first tarmac rally (and mine!) and first overseas event. It’s been a fantastic 9 years working with Malcolm Read and we wish him well with new his career working for M-Sport.
APRC Rally Montre, Japan - tarmac spec for the Toyota C-HR
Late October was the FIA Motorsport Games in France where I was co-driver/coach for Indian driver Sanjay Takale. Rounding out the year was testing of the Cusco Toyota C-HR in New Zealand. Click on this LINK to watch the video.
One event that did get away from us was the long-awaited WRC Rally of New Zealand. After so much planning it was disappointing to miss out on the opportunity to compete when the container ship was delayed carrying the Cusco Toyota C-HR. Following on though it was really humbling to receive so much support from the rally community when it looked like we’d be the first withdrawal.
A big thanks must go to Jeff Judd from Magnum Motorsport who’s team prepared a Subaru H6 in Christchurch and had it loaded on a Carr and Haslam car transporter bound for Auckland, all within twenty-four hours. We made it through the first stage on Thursday night but unfortunately the next day on Whaanga Coast the engine started to over-heat and we were forced to with-draw before first service.
It was great finish off the year on a high-note testing the Cusco Toyota C-HR at Tech Park and Maramura Forest with Rallydrive NZ. With the C-HR staying in New Zealand for a bit longer, we plan to confirm our 2023 events early in the New Year.
A big thanks to our loyal sponsors and supporters throughout the year – without you, we could not compete at this level. Cusco, Dunlop Japan, TRD, GoLogisticsGroup, Seeka, WurthNZ, Pacific Toyota, Yoda Rallying, Asia Pacific Sports Media, Thompson Horticulture, Robert Monk Transport, Opotiki Tyre Service, Specialised Auto Services, Christchurch, PF Automotive, Tauranga, Jordan Grant Rallying.
A big cleaning job!
