Campbell changes co-driver for Rally NZ

Campbell changes co-driver for Rally NZ

Tauranga rally driver Phil Campbell will have a new co-driver when round two of the New Zealand Rally Championship, Rally New Zealand, gets underway this weekend.

Campbell will have the highly experienced Mal Peden sitting beside him and, after some testing and a recent hillclimb, is confident that the partnership will work well.

“Mal and I have done a bit of work now and it will be really good to have someone so experienced in the car,” says Campbell.
Last year, Campbell made his debut in the Steel Sheds R Us Ford Fiesta at Rally New Zealand with many of the roads from days two and three of last year’s world rally championship round being used for this year’s two day, non-WRC, rally. These are roads that Campbell thoroughly enjoys, including the infamous Whangaa Coast stage.

After a tough opening round where alternator and power-steering troubles meant a DNF in leg one and third place on leg two and a consequent limited points haul, Campbell will be looking to put his best foot forward and kick-start his two-wheel drive championship campaign.

Rally New Zealand gets underway with a ceremonial start on Friday 6 May starting at 6pm with the first car crossing the start ramp at 7.30pm. The following day, crews will tackle eight special stages, including two passes of the Hampton Downs super special stage which circulates around the service park. The following day a further five special stages will run before a final run around the Hampton Downs super special and the ceremonial finish.

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