A down-on-power engine conspired against reigning national rally champions Mark Cronje and Robin Houghton elevating their Ford Dealer Team Fiesta onto the podium of the Imperial Toyota Cullinan Rally which ended at Zonderwater Correctional Services outside Cullinan this afternoon (August 16). Nevertheless, a gritty performance earned them fifth place and ensured that their championship hopes have not been completely dashed.
“We set fastest time on the day’s opening stage – as we did yesterday – but I could feel that the low-down power wasn’t there,” commented Cronje. “We struggled in the third stage of the day, which was characterised by slow corners and deep sand, and it was the worst possible combination for us.”
The two soldiered on though, extracting all they could from #24, the bodywork of which was showing all the signs of a tough day at the office.
Even without the kind of horsepower to which they’re accustomed, they still managed to hang on to the tail of the lead pack, slowly eating into the advantage of the Volkswagen ahead of them – but were rapidly running out of stage distance to overhaul it. The dice for third – being led by Japie van Niekerk in a similar, New Africa Developments-backed Fiesta – took its toll though and the VW of Hans Weijs rolled out of contention – promoting Cronje/Houghton to fifth.
“It wasn’t the way we would’ve liked to have made up ground, but fifth place earns us 16 points, so we’re still in the game: there are 75 points up for grabs, and we’re less than 30 points behind the leaders – excluding the round each competitor has to drop,” said Cronje, who has retained fourth place in the standings. “So throwing in the towel is still the furthest thing from our thoughts and we will do everything we can to retain our crown, and make it three in a row!”
ENDS
Picture byline: Eric Buijs