Masport out of rallying

Press, 6 April 1981, Page 30

Masport out of rallying

The familiar red, white, and blue Masport livery will be missing from the New Zeafand rallying scene this season, as the Auckland company has decided to end its association with the sport for the time being.

For the last five years Masport Escorts, driven by some of the world’s top drivers, have dominated the rally scene in this country, winning two internationals and' two national championships. In 1978, Ari Vatanen (Finland) took second place in the international in a Masport Escort RSIBOO, and a year later Russell Brookes, of Britain won comfo ’ ibly frem Jim Donald (Auckland), also in a Masport-backed car.

Another Finn, Hannu Mikkola, won the 1979 international under the Masport banner and last year yet another top Finn, Pentti Airikkala, was going well until he had a horrendous crash near Windwhistle and had to be taken to hospital.-

Masport drivers Blair Robson and Jim Donald have both won the New Zealand rally championship in 1978/1979 respectively.

Mr Doug Benefield, managing director of Mason and Porter, said this week that two significant factors behind Masport’s withdrawal were the dropping of the New Zealand iht .ational from this year’s world championship, and that Ford in Britain was “having a rest” from rallying, as the Escort RSIBOO was now obsolete and another worldclass car had not yet been developed. “We’ve been in the game for five years now, and are looking for fresh fields,” he said.

The team of mechanics and servicemen that made the Masport Escorts so successful over the last five years will stay together this season to back Jim, Donald under his new sponsor, Sanyo. Donald intends competing in this year’s Motogard Rally as - well as the four national-championship rounds — including the Canterbury and Southland events in May — and several club rallies.

The Masport Escort service in Panmure, which provides competition parts and services to rally teams throughout New Zealand, will also continue.