Hayabusa powered Starlet for Otago Rally

Palmerston North Rally Driver Tony McConachy and his screaming, one of a kind Hayabusa powered Toyota Starlet have confirmed that they will make the journey south to contest the iconic Otago Rally with assistance from Team Green.

Team Green who successfully run the current national champion, Hayden Paddon in the New Zealand Rally championship, saw this as an opportunity to help McConachy bring his crowd pleasing Toyota, south for the diehard Southern spectators to enjoy.

?A screaming Starlet at 12000rpm in the forest weighing just over 600kg?s, the recipe speaks for its self?..grouse? explains Team Green manager, Chris Paddon.

Tony has been involved in the management and running of successful rally teams such as Bruce Herbert, Neil Allport and Andrew Hawkswood, and has been driving home built rally cars for several years throughout New Zealand. McConachy has visited South Island events just three times before, but never the Otago event which is infamous for its blind brows and fast roads.

Competing in the all-comers field 0-1300cc class, McConachy dealt the giant killing performance of the rally at last months Rally of Hawkes Bay, finishing 6th overall and first 2WD amongst the National championship field. The 180bhp Starlet which is capable of speeds of up to 195kph can be expected to be very fast on the fast flowing roads throughout the two day Southern event and a similar result may not be too far off the cards.

?It is a magic car to drive, but with its age it is a matter of keeping the maintenance up like any other rally car. I am thoroughly looking forward to heading down to the event that I have heard so much about and having a skid. I am very thankful for all the support we have had in making this event possible for us? explains Tony.

Co-driven by Malcolm Pedan, be sure to watch out for the black and silver bullet as they negotiate famous stages such as Kuri Bush, McIntosh Road, Whare Flat and the super special stage around the streets of Dunedin.

The Otago Rally which plays host to round two of the New Zealand Rally Championship will also include the best rally drivers from all around New Zealand as they battle for the event victory. The field will be headed away by Richard Mason, followed by Team Green driver Hayden Paddon and co-driver John Kennard.

Tony and his team would like to thank the continued loyal support that they get from there sponsors, Silverstone tyres, Diggalink Auckland, Geartech, Tomoana warehousing, Mag n Turbo Palmerston North, Custom Metal, Team Green and Strait Shipping. The team are also please to announce Energy Drink giant, Demon Energy as a new sponsor.

For more information contact Tony ? 021 533 874

Otago Rally ? www.otagorally.co.nz
Team Green ? www.hayden-paddon.co.nz