Brendo gets Wild Card entry to Fiesta shoot out in UK |
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Brendo contested two events in New Zealand’s Fiesta Sporting Trophy this year and impressed with both his speed and ability. In both Rally Whangarei and Repco Rally New Zealand, he was clearly the fastest Fiesta driver in the field and his results were confirmation of his talent.
It was because of this talent, and his raw speed behind the wheel, that Brendo was chosen to receive the Wild Card.
The Fiesta Sporting Trophy shoot out will involve between 20 and 30 drivers from all around the world and will be held at Malcolm Wilson’s M-Sport headquarters in Cumbria, England on December 9 and 10.
Drivers will need to prove both their mental and physical abilities, as well as their ability to deal with the media. After three stages of forest driving, the field will be cut down to just five drivers who will each be interviewed by M-Sport director, Malcolm Wilson, who runs the BP-Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team. One lucky winner will then be chosen and will receive a 12 month contract with M-Sport.
Brendo's drive in the Fiesta Sporting Trophy has created huge interest in the Championship in Australia and it is hoped that this will result in the creation of the category in Australia in the not too distant future. With the recent announcement by CAMS of a new 2WD Championship as part of the 2009 Australian Rally Championship, rally fans could soon be watching a number of Fiestas competing on Aussie soil.
Brendo, naturally, was stoked when told of his wild card entry.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to test myself against drivers from all around the world,†he said. “Driving the Fiesta in New Zealand was a lot of fun and to have the chance to go to the UK and compete for such the prestigious prize is fantastic. I encourage all young drivers to consider the Fiesta Sporting Trophy, as it’s a very professionally run series with backing from M-Sport, and it’s a lot of fun, too!â€
Photo: Ben Dubbeld