With the Greg Todd Memorial Rally in June being the teams last gravel event, they gained more and more confidence as the day progressed. Going into the 43km long stage 6 the mighty class B Holder Corolla was storming through the stage, catching a more powerful class D Evo 8 around 20kms into the twisty stage. While following the Evo a lapse in concentration ruined the teams chances of a podium finish in class with the Corolla running wide and getting stuck in a culvert. However all was not lost thanks the sportsmanship displayed by the Smith WRX two cars behind, who at their own expense stopped and towed the Corolla out. After losing so much time, the team made the decision to back off for the remainder of the event, enjoying the remaining 2 tight and twisty stages.

Despite the final result, the team had a blast and are relishing the prospect of competing in the event again next year. Special thanks to sponsors Manukau Auto and Tyre Centre, Silverstone tyres and series sponsor CPS (NZ) Ltd for making the event possible.

Both Holder and Ellis have thoroughly enjoyed the CPS Top Half Series and are now looking forward to the possibility of competing in the 2005 New Zealand 2wd Rally Championship.

Rally of the North Report

The team’s first assault on the popular Northland event proved to be both a challenging and enjoyable one. Seeded 58^th out of 85 cars, the pair got off to a quick start only to be slowed in the first stage. After catching the car in front half way through the stage and with no room to pass, the pair lost almost 30 seconds over the stage. Not to be deterred Holder and Ellis pulled out a series of fast times including three 2^nd in class times and 4^th 2wd in the following 4 stages.