Ruapuna rallycross

Press, 1 October 1979, Page 3

Ruapuna rallycross

Alan Hewlett, driving a I 2000 cu cm Escort in fine’ style, won the 3ZM Ruapuna! !Rallycross final from nine! ! other drivers yesterday. He led from start to finish I in the 10-lap race. i Hewlett won by 20s from ’ Don Grindley (Mazda RX3), .who drove very well consid-l : ering he has had very little racing experience. Neville; ’ Boon, also in a Mazda RX.3, ’who beat Grindley in one of the five semi-finals, was al further 20s behind. ' The cars raced on ordinary’ road tyres, although most of the track was unsealed and slippery because of the water sprayed to reduce dust. ’

! “It’s a good track,’’ said ’Hewlet. “Much improved on jthe circuit two years ago. It’s imore interesting, possibly because it’s slightly longer. Grindley, driving a distinctively yellow and black ’striped car, provided some exciting moments as he entered the main straight from ■ the rough. Several times in ;the heats, and once in the ’final, he spun as he did so. but always managed to reigain control without losing ! his place. Final result.—A. Hewlett (Escort 2000 i. 10min. 27.35. 1; D. Grindlev (Mazda RX3). 10:47.15, i 2; N. Boon (Mazda (RX3), 11:7.1s, •3; W. McLoughlin (Escort 2000).