KEY POINTS:
Even though Richard Mason has his best chance to be the first New Zealand driver to win a round of the Production World Rally Championship, he is not feeling the pressure.
The talented Wairarapa driver turned heads last year with a blistering performance in a six-year-old Subaru.
He upstaged rallying's big names to finish 10th overall and in second place in the PWRC.
"Last year, we had a very good result and performed well beyond our expectations," said Mason.
It didn't go unnoticed and in 2007, the SYMS Rally Team from Japan is giving Mason the chance to rewrite the record books.
"I always want to enjoy what I am doing and have a good time. If I enjoy myself, there is a good chance I will succeed.
"If I get all nervous and think about how much this means, then I probably won't."
Mason's position became available when Kristian Sohlberg was unable to fund his entry for the SYMS Rally Team that is placed third in the PWRC.
The Masterton flyer, who has his fiancée Sara Randall in the co-driver's seat, needs to impress if he has any chance of competing full time in the PWRC.
"That is the goal, to compete in the entire championship," said the 29-year-old before adding, "but it is ridiculously expensive."
For Mason to race in the six-round series of the PWRC, it would cost about $1 million a year.
"We could get there if we got some backing and if I keep proving that I am good enough."
The costs associated with the PWRC pale in comparison to the WRC, which requires a budget of $5 million to $6 million a season.
If Mason was able to compete in the full season of PWRC, he would follow Possum Bourne.
"Possum was just starting to get into the thick of it when he died [in 2003], so it would be great to carry that on and get a Kiwi driver back on the world rally stage."
Another thing playing on his mind is that Rally New Zealand is now back as part of the National Rally Championship. Mason is the two-time defending champion.
"It adds a new element and you have to think about it.
"Hopefully I am in a position where I can really drop the hammer the last couple of days and not worry about it."
