Malley makes last minute assault on Wairarapa

With the help of Gull Fuels and Dunlop Tyres, Patrick Malley has made a last minute entry into the final round of the New Zealand Rally Championship, Rally Wairarapa, on September 11-12.

Malley had resigned himself to standing on the sidelines for the remainder of the season to prepare for the 2011 season, however just eight days before the ceremonial start he was able to confirm a late entry thanks to Ulrik at Gull and Richard at Dunlop.

Although Malley missed round four, Rally Nelson, he took up the opportunity to be a guest commentator for the television coverage of the event, an experience he enjoyed.

“Unfortunately we missed a great event in Nelson,” says the 26-year old. “Doing the commentary was really enjoyable but it doesn’t compare to being out there so I can’t wait to get onto the flowing Wairarapa roads.”

Malley, along with co-driver Malcolm Read, will once again compete in the M Rally Team Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9. Since the car’s last outing at Rally Whangarei, the car has had been refreshed and is in the best possible condition for the Drury based Aucklander to gain victory.

“I really need to thank not only our loyal service crew, but also the boys at Neil Allport Motorsport and Mills Collision Repair Centre for getting the car back into top shape. Also thanks to Dale at Rally Drive New Zealand who has been letting me get some mileage behind the wheel and Matt at the Sign Factory in Masterton who will make the car look fantastic once it gets there. I am confident we are in strong shape to deliver a strong result for Gull and Dunlop,” says Malley.

Rally Wairarapa gets underway with a ceremonial start on Friday September 10. The following day, crews will tackle six special stages, including two south of the host city, Masterton, before returning to the more traditional roads to the north. Day two includes another eight stages based around the service park in Eketahuna before the ceremonial finish at Solway Park in Masterton at 3.30pm.