Rally grants at stake

Leading Nelson rally drivers Kieran Hall and Ben Hunt have been rewarded for their outstanding efforts in the national rally championship this year with a one in three chance of securing a $50,000 assistance package each to further their careers.

A winner-take-all shootout to determine a winner for each category of the Rising Stars Awards will be fiercely contested at Auckland's Maramarua Forest this weekend, starting last night. The winners will be announced late tomorrow.

Although neither driver will be actually racing this time, they have been watched and monitored over the season and their driving abilities assessed. They each now have a long list of tasks and presentations to make to a judging panel.

Each driver will face various forms of media to see how they interact and are required to present and sell themselves to a potential sponsor. There's a high level of general fitness and mental strength to be tested throughout the weekend.

They will also be helping to inspire and encourage young drivers who are competing this weekend.

Hall is contesting the International Rising Star Award with the prize of a fully funded drive in an overseas event next year. Hunt is hoping to take out the Development Rising Star Award to have funding to contest the 4WD group N class in the national championship next year.

Hunt was the clear winner of the Rising Stars Award earlier this year after an intensive battle over a weekend with 11 other contestants looking to contest the national championship for the first time in a fully professional-prepared Ford Fiesta ST rally car in the Group N 2WD class.

His prize package also included the services of a mentor to foster his preparation and skills throughout the year.

Hunt proved, in rally after rally, that he was learning rapidly, gaining four class podiums including two wins and finishing the year on a high with second overall in the Fiesta championship.

Hall had an outstanding year and produced great results as he moved up to the National 4WD group N class.

Three class podiums in his rookie debut year against many national champions were reward for his ability behind the wheel.

An unfortunate and horrifying high speed crash ended his season and hopes of gaining the Rookie of the Year Title here in the Nelson rally. However he has remained positive and will return next season in a new car.

- © Fairfax NZ News