New engine gives Mason power boost in title race

Richard Mason will have a new engine to boost his chances of success in this weekend's Trust House Racetech Rally of Wairarapa.

The Masterton ace, who will have wife, Sara, in the navigator's seat, is keen to make up lost ground in the national championship after a problem with a rear diff forced him to retire on stage three on the opening day of round one in Whangarei.

Consequently, he missed the rest of day one at the Brother International Rally. And he is counting on the new engine in his BNT Subaru to give him the winning edge.

"We saved it for this one. Hopefully it makes a difference," he said.

Mason accepts that come the Wairarapa rally, the pundits will always make him the firm favourite but he is quick to dismiss the thought that competing locally gives him any sort of advantage over his rivals.

"It's been pretty much the same course for five years now so just about everybody knows what to expect before they get here," he said. "Obviously it's always nice to be competing at home but, no, there is no advantage in it."

Mason does admit, however, that the nature of the course with its narrow roads and tight turns does suit his style of driving.

"It's more about handling and cornering rather than straight speed, you need to always be aware of getting your lines right," he said. "You have to stay focused, one mistake and it can be all over."

Mason will be one of four drivers contesting this weekend's rally who have won the national championship title. Chris West, Geoff Argyle and Dean Summer have also tasted success and will be amongst his main rivals.

As is Alex Kelsey, the Coromandel driver who was the surprise winner in Whangarei and who as a result, will be first out on the roads tomorrow.

"He [Kelsey] has the bit between the teeth and you can't under-estimate him, he could be the dark horse again," Mason said. Spectator information is at rallywairarapa.co.nz and live results will be posted online at chrissport.co.nz.