Flying The Flag For New Zealand

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 24, 10 November 1987, Page 6 (Supplement)

Flying The Flag For New Zealand

PU KF.KOHF/S 'Possum" Bourne and Rodger Freeth of Auckland will be doing more than flying the flag for New Zealand in this month's RAC Rally of Great Britain. A good result in the RAC, one of the world's top rally events, would ensure the New Zealanders of greater international status and the chance of further competition in Europe next season. "The RAC is an excellent opportunity for us to show that we can foot it with the best drivers," said Bourne. "We may not have the most powerful car in the field, but anything can happen in these events and

we are aiming to be there at the finish." Bourne has proved that he has the fastest Subaru 4WD rally car in the world and improved his standing with an impressive third place in the AWA Clarion Rally of New Zealand earlier this year, behind Austria's Franz Wittman in a Lancia and Kenneth Erikson in a VW Golf. That placing gave Bourne the coveted Class A international rally licence and Subaru rewarded him with the works drive in the RAC event, which takes place in Wales and the north/ west of England from November

22-26. Lucas New Zealand is also backing Bourne and Freeth with sponsorship in the RAC to help give the pair the best possible chance of a good result. Bourne is a former Lucas employee. It is the first time both motorsport personalities have shared a rally car in an international event. Freeth is a former New Zealand motorcycle champ who has recently turned to competing on four wheels. If they are successful, the pair plan to base themselves in Europe next season to challenge other events. Bourne has already driven

for Subaru in the Safari Rally in Africa and prior to the RAC event he is to carry out further testing for the Japanese manufacturer in Kenya to help overcome overheating problems that beset the car. From there he goes to Switzerland to set up his new car for the RAC event, to ensure it performs and handles like his New Zealand car, before meeting up with Freeth. "We are very close to cracking the international big time and it's nice to know that my old friends at Lucas are still there behind me," said Bourne.