Measured performance from Holder
Second overall at Rally Otago was David Holders best ever NZRC round result. Photo: Euan Cameron
Last weekend’s International Rally of Otago saw Dave Holder take his first podium of the season in the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship driven by VINZ (NZRC). Holder’s measured performance in the Stadium Cars Mitsubishi saw him finish second in only his second outing in a 4WD rally car.
After a rather wet ceremonial start Friday night in the Dunedin Octagon, Saturday dawned perfect conditions for day one’s fast flowing roads surrounding the town of Lawrence. Steady progress saw Holder finishing consistently throughout the day, which was bang on game plan for the team who had worked hard to get the car ready following last month’s Rally of Whangarei.
“The car ran sweet, there certainly weren’t any car issues thanks to Mike and the team’s efforts” reports Holder. “We stuck to the script for this event, driving conservatively in order to bring home some silverware for the sponsors. Really it was a bit sedate, we left all the farmers fences intact… I think that’s a first for me at Rally Otago” jokes Holder
Holder not only had the support of Ben Hawkins in the co-driver seat, but also the whole Stadium Cars Motorsport team as they crewed alongside each other at Lawrence.
“It was great to be able to have a chat with Hayden (Paddon) and Tony (Gosling) in service” says Holder
Sunday saw another beautiful Otago day dawn with Holder determined to stick to the team plan. Chris West’s accident and early demise on the first stage of the day shook the team up a bit, reiterating their need to stay focused on the goal. Stage twelve saw the retirement of Emma Gilmour with car issues, and Holder’s consistence paid off shunting him into second overall behind Richard Mason. A battle for third between Matt Jansen and Andrew Hawkeswood saw Jansen take the final podium step, over a minute behind Holder.
“It was a bit of a restrained day to be fair, but in saying that we are stoked to walk away with the car intact and second place under our belt” states Holder. “It’s going to be good to have not much to do on the car for Canterbury. It will give me time to get out and drum up some sponsorship so we can complete the championship.”
The third round of the NZRC kicks off in Canterbury June 1st.
Holder Brothers Racing would like to thank and acknowledge the support of:
Stadium Cars, Gull Fuel, VINZ, Magnum Compliance, Force Automotive, Endless Brakes, Prelim, Sew Hot Monograms, Nichibo, Mount Wheel Alignment, Speedy Signs Tauranga, Attentive Design, Jason Gorton Building, Bay Panel Beaters and Monit Rally Computers.
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