Marshall tipped to win Otago rally

Press, 27 May 1978, Page 56

Marshall tipped to win Otago rally

From

JOHN FRIDD

in Oamaru

When Mike Marshal) drives his CRC Escort off the Pall Mall start ramp this morning it will be the first time he has driven the car. However, Marshall, veteran of thousands of high-speed rally kilometres, should win the first round of the natic -al series, which will take the 90 cars entered over 440 km of North Otago roads. Marshall will drive the works Escort that Bob Couch has rallied with great success in the last two seasons. The only other car which can be expected to keep up with him is the similar Escort of a fellow Aucklander, Jim Donald, driving for the Masport team.

However, Donald is not confident of beating Marshall, who is capable of winning the event by five minutes if he recaptures his brilliant best form. The only hope for Donald is that Marshall will make a mistake and slide off the road. Marshall is erratic under ‘pressure and Donald, starting right behind him, will be anxious to press home any advantage.

Marshall’s biggest worry will be the likelihood of black ice on some of the higher roads, especially on Danseys Pass. The rally director, Mr Bill Forsyth, said there was about 4cm of snow at the top of the Tara Hills stage, near Omarama, and fine weather today would pro- 1

duce ice in many areas. If Marshall or Donald strike trouble another Aucklander, Paul Adams, should be close behind in his new Escort RSIBOO. Adams’s car is not as powerful as the works Escorts but his style should ensure that the leaders do not get too far in front. Another fast Escort driver, Colin Taylor, of Wellington, finished repairing his car’s blown motor only last night a: I cannot be expected to be a threat to the top three. John Woolf, of Auckland, in a Mazda RX3, could surprise Leo Leonard, of Timaru, in Leo Leonard, of Timaru in the Torro Toys Escort RSIBOO, should finish in the top five.