Sensational third from Brendo at Rally Whangarei

In another superb performance today, Brendo has finished the Rally of Whangarei in third place overall.

 

Starting the day in third place, Brendo came out of the blocks firing, setting second fastest time on the first two stages of the day.   Yesterday's handling problems had been rectified in their Subaru WRX STI and Brendo was keeping three-time Asia Pacific Rally Champion, Cody Crocker, at bay.  

Unfortunately on SS13, Brendo was slowed down considerably for about 1km as black smoke from the blown turbo of Richard Mason obstructed his visibility. With the chance to pip Crocker for second place now out of reach, Brendo and Glen decided to back off their pace and consolidate their third place.

The result was a remarkable effort for the 20 year old Victorian.  Not only was it his first outing in the car, but it was only his second event with Glen calling the notes.  To add to that, Brendo beat home all the regular APRC competitors except Crocker, whom he showed he can keep pace with.

"We are really, really happy with our result," Brendo said after the podium presentation.  "It was a great event for us. I proved here last year that I can drive fast, and to be able to compete this time against the best drivers in Asia Pacific was awesome.  To finish third, and put pressure on Cody, was fantastic!"

The result is Brendo's best finish in an Asia Pacific Rally Championship event.

The rally was won by young Kiwi, Hayden Paddon, with Crocker second.

Check back soon for photos of Brendo from Rally Whangarei