Will Menzies will join the New Zealand Rally Championship at Hawke’s Bay and will unleash his GR Yaris Rally Cup Car in the process.
Menzies is the latest driver to secure a Force Motorsport-built car that will contest its own class as part of the championship next year.
“Should be good,” Menzies said of the prospect of getting behind the wheel of the car.
“I am pretty excited to use a sequential at a rally. Also, you can’t beat the Toyota reliability. If it’s quarter as good as my Hilux, I will be happy.”
Menzies was immediately keen to get a car after hearing about the GR Yaris Rally Cup concept.
“I’ve always said that a Group N GR Yaris would be a good package out of the box,” he explained. “Especially since there hasn’t been a good replacement since the likes of my Evo 6 era type car.
“I’m also a huge Toyota guy, so I thought I’d better put my money where my mouth is.
“The on-event parts support from Toyota and Force was very appealing.
“I actually ordered the car without ever driving a GR Yaris. I had faith it would be a good thing.
“Kiwis are not very good at taking risks and will always wait and see if something is going to be good before participating. I’ve got complete faith this will be a great series but expect to see more overseas drivers than you expect.
“We have the attraction of great rallying roads that are hard to beat. Add in a control series, and you have a great recipe.”
As for what a good result first up would be, Menzies is taking a circumspect view.
“You can’t define success from one single thing; I’m sure I will get used to the car in the first few kilometres. We are always learning and improving.
“The good results will come.”
Header Image: Geoff Ridder
