John Weir's Kiwi built hybrid Honda Accord is back for its second Race to the Sky attempt. After finishing as the second two wheel drive car and fifth overall in an amalgamated class in which the Honda was the baby in the class, builder John Weir and driver Tony Morrison are aiming for a class victory this year as the classes are not amalgamated.
Last year's time was just six seconds off the Open 2WD class record held by Ross Dunkerton of Australia. "On analysing the 1600cc class times over the last eight years we were 16 seconds faster than any other 1600cc car has been up the hill," says Tony Morrison.
Following two years of extensive re-development the Honda is ready for the task. "Over the last two years we have finished well in every event, gaining a class podium place in most events and topping it off with a class victory at the notorious Zig Zag Rakaia Hill climb on the weekend of 13 March, “ says Tony.
Tony Morrison will again be driving the car for the Race to the Sky. He has driven the mid-engine 1978 Accord regularly during the year in the Autosport Club rally sprint series and in last year’s Race to the Sky. Tony finds the challenge and exhilaration of driving New Zealand's most regularly competed in hybrid rally car a highlight of the year, which also includes driving a 1991 DTM Opel Omega German Touring Car.
"The Honda's handling and ability to put the two wheel drive power to the ground is a credit to the engineering skills of John Weir," says Tony.
The Honda has been fitted with a Spoon 1600 VTEC giving a 50% increase in power over the previously used Type R engine. While it may look and sound ordinary when idling on the outside, anyone that has seen it tear up the road at the start line or pass them with a scream like a single seater will verify that the car is anything but ordinary.
"We are looking forward to this event as the lead in for the 2005 rally season. We are grateful to The Edge and Canary Furniture for their continued sponsorship. We would welcome any new sponsor that would like to stand out with this one of a kind rally car to join us for the 2005 rally and sprint series," says Tony.
