Jagger Defends Lead in Ford Fiesta Trophy

Whangarei's Ben Jagger and co-driver Ben Hawkins both look forward to a strong result at this weekend's third round of the national championship the NAC Insurance Hella International Rally of Whangarei.

This weekend comes hard on the tail of the opening two rounds of the Vantage Aluminium New Zealand Rally Championship held on roads where the rookie team had never before set foot. Ben Jagger believes being back on home turf and familiar ground will give him the helping hand he needs to keep ahead of the other drivers and retain the lead in the Ford Fiesta Sporting Trophy.

"We're hoping it will be a bit easier for us at our home rally. At Otago and Wairarapa we didn't know the roads at all but we know the ones up here quite well." said Jagger.

Last year's Rally of Whangarei was the first pairing of the team with Jagger and Hawkins piloting a Suzuki Swift in the Clubman's event. On the first day they pulled a gap of over a minute in the car's class before a blown gearbox forced them to retire in the afternoon. A hard fought replacement overnight had them back in the rally for Sunday but out of contention for a good result.

This year in the Ford Fiesta and national championship Ben Jagger will drive his own race at his own pace and maintain a relaxed attitude towards the rally which he says is how the duo like to play it.

"We aren't too worried about the other guys and will just keep on going without putting ourselves under pressure. Staying relaxed seemed to work well for us at the last round at Otago." he said.

The Pirelli Star Driver qualification will be a major focus at this rally where under 27 year old local and international drivers in Group N cars such as the Ford Fiesta will compete for the opportunity to go on to the Rally of Malaysia for the next qualification round.

Both Jagger and fellow Whangarei driver Kirsty Nelson are eligible for the chance to qualify for the scheme where the top five young drivers from around the world will be awarded with a drive in six rounds of the 2009 World Rally Championship in a Group N or Super 2000 rally car.

Jagger, although very keen to shine in the rally and to get a chance at the Pirelli Star Driver scheme says he will simply continue to "do his own thing" and remain relaxed through the event.

The action draws nearer as the events leading up to the NAC Hella International Rally of Whangarei begin to take place along with the international and New Zealand drivers filtering into the heart of Northland.

A 'meet the drivers' night will take place tonight (Wednesday 4th June) at the Rynoz Bar and Stonegrill in Cameron St, Whangarei where all interested parties are welcome to come and have a beer or meal and rub shoulders with the rally competitors.

Thursday will be a work day for the drivers as they head out on a reconnaissance to check the roads and their stage information. And then on Friday morning from 10am will have a chance for a shakedown at the spectator friendly Pohe Island Special Stage before a street parade through central Whangarei at 12.30.

Just before the 4pm drivers autograph session, Ben Jagger will be available for comment at the Pirelli Star Driver's press conference at 3.45 at Rally HQ along with the other eligible group N drivers from NZ, Australia and Asia.

The NAC Hella International Rally of Whangarei incorporates the third round of the Asian Pacific Rally Championship, the FIA Pacific Cup, New Zealand Rally Championship, North Island Rally series and the Clubman's Rally.