Murray gets a helping hand

September 14, 2007, 7pm. Help from on high has given points leader Palmerston North’s Sam Murray a boost going into the final round of the Vantage Aluminium Joinery New Zealand rally championship.

Subaru New Zealand has provided the Impreza WRX STi campaigner with a substantial components package – a turbocharger, new axles and other ancillary parts - and the team’s tyre sponsor Yokohama is making available specially constructed factory tyres.

The tyres were imported for use by Yokohama’s production world championship category car in the recent Rally of New Zealand, in which Murray finished second Kiwi.

Murray says he’s grateful for the support, and hopes he can repay in kind - with the New Zealand drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles.

“We had pretty much exhausted all our resources, parts and funding-wise,” said Murray, who holds a 20-point advantage over his nearest rival going into the series-decider, at Nelson on September 30.

He and navigator Rob Ryan realistically only need to finish sixth or better to secure their first national title together – and a record sixth co-driving award for Ryan.

However, with ultimate success so close, they’re being extra-cautious.

“Even though we’ve built up a handy points advantage, we still need the car to be 100 percent reliable for the last round,” Murray said today.

“Which is why we’re so grateful for this extra support now. The parts offered by Subaru are crucial components – if you lose a turbo or an axle then that’s it, really.

“Nelson is notorious for punctures, from sharp rocks on the stages. The Yokohama PWRC tyres are tougher in the sidewalls, and are a proper ‘factory spec’ tyre. They are just what we need to have a puncture-free run, and an increase in speed.

“Again, it’s a big boost. On this kind of event, a puncture can put you out of the top 10.”