Cameron focused on getting to Norris
Mike Cameron has his eyes set on chasing down Pat Norris in what is fast becoming an enthralling battle in the Historic class of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship.
Norris (Toyota Corolla) leads the championship heading into the final two rounds, with Phil Macquarie (Ford Escort) 10 points adrift and Cameron third – a further 28 points in arrears.
But with the drop a round to factor in, Cameron is still very much in contention and will at least be hoping to beat Norris head-to-head in the final two rounds.
Cameron, who moved from his trusty “L1LEVO” Mitsubishi Lancer to an EX Lancer at Drive Safe NZ Rally Hawke’s Bay, was actually leading Norris for a good chunk of the day.
But while the extra grunt of the EX Lancer makes the new car more of a weapon, Cameron admits it is taking some getting used to, which will also hold him back.
“Yes, lot’s more grunt and all the years of 1600cc going to a 2-litre turbo I had a complete change of driving skills needed,” the Taranaki-based Cameron explained.
“My co-driver Kelly told me this is a rally Dad, not a drift event.
“Also, not using notes, trying to control the entry into corners that arrive very quickly and not knowing what was around it made me wary of taking it fast.
“But yes, we have Pat Norris in our sights and because he uses notes it will be a close contest.”
Cameron has confirmed he will be in the EX Lancer at Vertex Lubricants International Rally of Whangarei in a couple of weeks and will have daughter Kelly alongside him again.
“Kelly is going to co-drive again at Whangarei and we will use the “Big Lancer B4EVO” with a set of new tyres sponsored by B&K Carson Contracting Ltd – her business.
“The last round at Bay of Plenty, I will have L1L EVO altogether after her major surgery and Helen [his wife] will be co driving for her 50th rally and definitely her last national championship event.
“She’s not giving up the sport just resting from national participation.”
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