Literal ‘uphill battle’

Press, 12 March 1982, Page 28

Literal ‘uphill battle’

By

JOHN FRIDD

“Facing an uphill battle” is an old cliche which wijl take on a literal meaning l for a group of top drivers on Banks Peninsula this weekend. The drivers will be contesting the ANZ Bank national Gold Star hill climb final over two uphill courses — one gravel and one seal. Paul Adams, of Auckland, won last year’s final in an Escort RSI 800, but this year he will drive a potent little Toyota Starlet 1300, and will have to work hard to retain his title from fellow Aucklander Reg Cook (Datsun Sunny 2.0).

The South Island will be represented by a number of talented drivers, including the Nelson hill climb specialist Wayne Sendall, driving the open-wheeler Terrapin that has already taken two Gold Star titles. Other South Islanders include Graeme Crawford (Gore, Mazda RX323), James Shand (Timaru, Escort 1600), Grant Goile (Christchurch, Mazda RX3), Graeme Richardt (Timaru, Datsun 1200 1.6) and Bruce Asher (Christchurch, Datsun 1200 2.0). Barry Robinson (Wyndham) might also compete in his quick Chevette 2:3, and

Sandy Powell, of Hamilton, could’ be a dark horse in his unusual Mini turbo, in which he finished third in last year’s Gold Star final.

A 2km section of Pigeon Bay Road, including more than 24 corners, will first test the drivers tomorrow, then on Sunday (hey will thrash their cars over a 2.3 km uphill run on the nearby sealed Summit Road, between the Pigeon Bay Road and Okains Bay Road junctions.

On both days competition will start at 10.30 a.m.