Mulligan Let Out Of Australia For Catlins Coast Rally

MEDIA RELEASE 28 JULY 2011

Mulligan Let Out Of Australia For Catlins Coast Rally

Australian legend Ed Mulligan has been confirmed as an entrant in the Catlins Coast Rally.

Mulligan has been an outstanding competitor in a great range of events over many years and is a real character. "They don't let me out of the country very often," he jokes. "I'm coming over to get some frostbite!"

Mulligan, who has the nickname of 'Hooligan', is a Sydney businessman. He owns 4WD World and has a few other internet based businesses. He has been a successful competitor in rallies at both state and national level in Australia over many years. He has competed in offroad and circuit racing and has driven a monster truck in competition and displays. He has competed in the Round Australia Rally and the Australian Safari and also in classic rallies - fantastic credentials.

Mulligans association with New Zealand and in particular the Catlins Coast Rally began when in his words when he "bumped into some drunks" after a rally in Australia. Those "drunks" included Bryce Biggs of Christchurch and Paul Goatley of Balclutha. "They are a good bunch of guys," he says.

Since then Mulligan has come to New Zealand and helped Biggs run cars for "pommy whingers" in the Silver Fern Rally last year and he has competed in both the Westland and Otago Rally this year. "At Otago I saw the Catlins Rally brochure and I thought I need to do that."

"I'm coming to Catlins to have some fun and enjoy some kiwi hospitality. Before Otago I practiced at Duncan McCrosties farm near Kaitangata so I know the area. Other than that it is all new, a big adventure just like the rest of life."

Mulligan will drive a Ford Escort supplied by Biggs for the event. He is enjoying his kiwi adventures so much he says, "I wish I had discovered New Zealand a few years ago."

"I've been coming and going in rallying a bit but at the moment all my ducks are in a row so I have the chance to compete. I have done three events in Australia and this will be the third in New Zealand this year. That's living."

The 'Hooligan' is clearly looking forward to the Catlins Coast Rally but he has just one request. "Don't make it too cold," he says.

The 2011 Catlins Coast Rally will take place on Saturday 6 August. The rally will start from Owaka Motors in Owaka at 9.00am with eight Special Stages providing 157 kilometres of high speed competition. The final stage will again be the very popular Riverside Reserve stage in Balclutha, one that always attracts an excellent crowd.

Century Batteries have recently confirmed their continued support of the event rejoining other long time sponsors MWH, the Rosebank Lodge, SouthRoads and Owaka Motors again in 2011.

ends

© Scoop Media