Marston makes big speed gains in 2019 

Some increases in pure outright speed has thrust Holden Barina driver Josh Marston into Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship contention this year.

The Christchurch-based driver found himself in the mix late last year as well but that came on the back of consistency rather than by being a serious threat of winning rallies. But in 2019 Marston and his Holden outfit have made some significant strides and he prepares for his home event next week with a genuine chance of winning rallies as well as the championship.

He scored a solid second place finish at Whangarei three weeks ago to move up to second in the championship standings.

“I am stoked with the result over the whole weekend,” Marston said. “The team worked really hard so hats off to them as well. Andrew [co-driver Andrew Graves] did a great job as well.

“We have stepped up a bit in car pace this year which I am really pleased about.

“It is super encouraging.”

The Holden Barina is now into its third full season of competition and a lot of work has gone into developing the car. The results are starting to come now as Marston has started to showcase his talent behind the wheel and is now really pushing the likes of Ben Hunt for outright pace.

“That was the big target over the off-season both with the car and myself really,” he explained. “I feel like we have picked a bit up in each.”

Marston will be one of the drivers to beat at next weekend’s Lonestar Rally Canterbury – he knows the roads well and enjoys the unique challenges that this event presents.

“They are still using some forestry roads – I wish it was all forestry to be honest,” he said. “It will be good to be back at Canterbury.”

The 2019 New Zealand Rally Championship is proudly supported by Brian Green Property Group, Gull New Zealand, Dunlop New Zealand, HELLA New Zealand, Stadium Finance, Omega Rental Cars and Suzuki New Zealand.