Top drivers for rallycross

Press, 21 July 1978, Page 20

Top drivers for rallycross

By

JOHN FRIDD

Cantebury’s Cop three rally drivers, Leo Leonard i(Timaru, Escort RS1800), Trevor Crowe (Christchurch, Avenger 1850) and Rob Gerard (Christchurch, Mazda RX3), will battle for the unofficial title of top South Island rallycross driver at Ruapuna on Sunday. The three drivers should easily make the eight-car final at the Canterbury Car Club’s PDL VHT meeting, but picking a winner is hard. Crowe won the final stage in 'he recent Valvoline rally, which took the cars four times around part of the rallycross circuit, with Gerard a close second, but Leonard was not present then and the tremendous low-down power and high top speed of his Escort could be too much for the two Christchurch drivers. Other drivers who should show up include Carl RabIbidge (Timaru, Mazda RX3),

Alec Doig (Waikuku, Escort 1600), Ross Bailey (Springston, Mazda RX3), Ernie .Richardson (Christchurch, Mazda RX3), Warren Burt I (Timaru, Toyota Corolla), | Jim Kennedy (Greymouth, ! Escort RS1800), Stephen Stokes (Rangiora, Escort 1600), and Ken McNabb (Blenheim, Escort RS2000). An interesting entry is Kelvin Cameron, a former fast single-seater driver. He will drive the ex-Trevor Tapper Mazda RX3 at the rallycross.

About 40 entries are expected and there should be some exciting action as drivers try to qualify for the semi-finals in the six fourlap qualifying heats. There will be three six-lap semi-finals and eight cars will go through to the final, to battle for the $4OO prize money. The event will be held wet or fine on the tricky circuit, which combines fast, sealed sections of the Ruapuna circuit with tight dirt-shingle bends.