Rabbidge returns to Rallying with only half a car.

Media Release
April 7th 2010 – Immediate release

RABBIDGE SET TO COMPETE AT OTAGO IN HALF OF HIS ESCORT

Veteran Timaru rally driver Carl Rabbidge is set to re-appear on the competitive New Zealand National Rally scene, for the first time in 25 years, at the Dunlop International Classic Rally of Otago this weekend, but with only half of his Escort.

Rabbidge was set to make his driving comeback in his old faithful (last used in 1980) MKII Ford Escort RS2000, but a minor setback with delays in the arrival of some components to complete re-assembling the car in time, and has meant borrowing half a car, a body shell, from good friend Bryce Biggs’ stable to be able to compete.

This last week has seen Rabbidge’s motor and gearbox fitted into the Biggs car, and while Carl does not expect to set the rally scene alight initially, he does expect by seasons end to be competing for top National Championship Historic Challenge Class placings.

Rabbidge who started his rallying back in 1970 driving a Ford Anglia Van, has been around the scene driving and co-driving, as well as mentoring young drivers for the last 4 decades. His latest rallying involvement comes as Rally Manager and Route coordinator for the successful NZ Silver Fern Classic Marathon events.

Carl says “I had watched all these middle aged (and older) drivers competing in and enjoying the Otago Classic Rally, and the NZ Silver Fern Rally, and thought well why not, if they can still enjoy it why should I stop just because I’m getting older, so I decided to resurrect the old car and have a go again”.

Co-driving this weekend is Christchurch’s Barry Varcoe, a driver in his own
right. The team are seeded 19th in the field of 34 “classic” cars. Keep an eye on Carl and Barry’s progress this weekend at www.otagorally.net

For further media information contact
PF Smith Rally Services
Ph +64 274 852234
rally@ps.gen.nz