New-Zealand [P] - 17-19 Nov 06

Posted: November 24, 2006 1:57 PM

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msmototsports crew star in gruelling New Zealand Rally
Matt Shinnors and Mike Wilkey achieved the dream of a lifetime when they crossed the finishing line of last weekends New Zealand rally. For the Anglo-Irish crew it was their first ever World Championship Rally attempt and their approach to the rally was to finish at all costs.

Shinnors from Limerick Ireland and Wilkey from Bath England were entered in a Mitsubishi Evo 6 hired from rally school specialists Rally Drive New Zealand.

The New Zealand rally was the penultimate round of the 2006 world rally championship based in Hamilton .A three day event it consisted of 354 km of gravel stages spread over 17 special stages.

For Shinnors and Wilkey Stage 1 proved dramatic. After 10km the Evo got wedged on a narrow bridge. The situation looked bleak until another car pushed it off the bridge and into a stream. A ten point turn in the stream allowed the crew regain the stage albeit with a BAG of penalties. The next four stages of the day were incident free.

On Day 2 the stages were treacherously slippery due to a monsoon but the Irish like conditions helped Shinnors to set some competitive times on the morning stages. However in the afternoon the loss of brake fluid led to another off resulting in some superficial body damage.

The third day started wet but dried out. Six stages 95km lay between Shinnors/Wilkey and their goal. It was a day for conservative driving and no heroics. The policy paid off and they finished 35th in a punishing event. They arrived at the finish ramp ecstatic at their achievement.

Matt Shinnors said “that he was thrilled to finish a W.R.C rally at his first attempt. It was very long and tough. The stages were smooth but technical in places. I would like to thank Mike for a job well done, Dale Perry for renting the car the sponsors who made it possible and the service crew who had a busy weekend in the office.

Mike Wilkey said that it is a fabulous feeling to finish a rally in the world championship. It was very demanding but Matt and I gelled well in the car. While the aim was to finish at all costs I really enjoyed the stages on day two when Matt was giving it a lash.

msmotorsport car was sponsored by Rally Drive NZ, Hisence air-condition, Dirty Dog sunglasses and Waikato Clutch & Brake.
The car was serviced by Irish/Kiwi crew which included Joe Shinnors, Alan Cottington, Barry & Derrick Driver, Robin & Dale Perry.

Kevin Shaw from Derry was the only other Irish driver to finish in 25th overall in his Evo7.The event was won by the Ford Focuses of Marcus and Miko Hirvonen finishing first and second ensuring that Ford won the manufacturers prize for the first time since 1979.

Matt Shinnors one of Ireland’s up and coming young rally drivers has been given the opportunity to break into World Rally Championship by taking part in Rally New Zealand.

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Matt Shinnors & Co-Driver Anthony Wilkey celebrate with Team Rally Drive NZ

Full Results:
www.wrc.com - World Rally Championship Offical Site

Rally New Zealand

• 2006 World Rally Championship

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PRE EVENT NEWS

• Irish Drivers Start Rally NZ
• Irish Drivers Kevin Shaw & Matt Shinnors Ready for Rally NZ
• Matt Shinnors aims to compete in Rally New Zealand

Matt Shinnors on the Start Ramp of Rally NZ
Photos: Malcolm Read

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15/11/06

No 73 Kevin Shaw & No 75 Matt Shinnors at the Start of Rally NZ
Photos: Malcolm Read

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14/11/06

Australia based Kevin Shaw & Limerick's Matt Shinnors are currently completing the reece for Rally NZ.

The Rally gets underway on Thursday evening local time.

Rally New Zealand

• 2006 World Rally Championship

Irish Driver Matt Shinnors, currently working in New Zealand,
recently took part in a Promotion Day for Rally NZ.

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22/09/06
Matt Shinnors aims to compete in Rally New Zealand
Regular Irish Forestry Driver Matt Shinnors is currently putting plans in place to contest the WRC Round in New Zealand.
Matt has been working in New Zealand since March this year.
The deal has come through his employers Rally Drive NZ, with Matt hoping to drive one of the team’s Lancer Evo 6’s.
“This is a once in a lifetime chance for someone like me, so we are working on getting everything in place at the moment,” Matt told rally.ie.

Rally New Zealand takes place from the 17-19 November.

More Details:

Matt Shinnors Motorsport - www.msmotorsport.com

Rally New Zealand

• 2006 World Rally Championship