Bateman’s NZRC season hinges on just one race

Rally drivers need to be cool under pressure. On Saturday Marlborough’s Richard Bateman will be tested to a higher level than usual.

Straight off the back of winning the Mainland Series in Geraldine last weekend, Bateman hits the roads of the Manawatu and Wairarapa on Saturday for the Daybreaker Rally Wairarapa, the sixth and final round of the New Zealand Rally Championship. Resting on his results are two titles.

The 46-year-old driver is tied with young gun Tyler Radovan for the Rookie of the Year lead, and holds a one-point advantage over the 24 year-old Aucklander in the race to the Category 5A crown.

That means, after beginning the national championship in April and contesting rallies in Whangarei, Otago, Canterbury, Gisborne and the Coromandel, it all comes down to one day’s racing for Bateman.

‘‘There is a bit more pressure,’’ Bateman said as he headed north on Thursday. ‘‘It would be nice to be coming to this one with it in the bag already, that would take the pressure off, but it is not that way and it is all about competition. It is no fun racing by yourself.’’

It will come down to a contest of Mitsubishis, with Radovan in an Evo 4 and Bateman opting for his Evo 9 which he drove to victory in the Spring Rally on Saturday, as opposed to his Evo 8 which he has raced in the five previous rounds of the NZRC and is under repair.

Bateman and Radovan’s battle will not be the main draw, though.

Nelson’s Ben Hunt will be aiming to take out the overall championship, needing a 16th place finish or higher, while several other classes will also be decided.

Bateman stated before his debut NZRC he would be targeting the rookie competition.

The Category 5A crown, a secondary 4WD class, was another goal and in both competitions he and Radovan have been battling back and forth for months.

The Marlborough driver started the NZRC poorly, crashing out in Whangarei but backed that up with a class win in Otago and, despite being limited with mechanical issues, has stayed in contention ever since.

‘‘After the start we had, bowling out in the first rally, and other issues we have had, I am pretty happy to be where we are. It has played into our hands towards the end and hopefully it can finish up that way.

‘‘It will be a relief on Sunday, one way or the other,’’ Bateman said.

As usual, Bateman will be joined by co-driver Sharrise Guckert, who also has a national title on her radar. She leads Radovan’s teammate, Tony Kenrick, by one point in the 5A codriver class.

Bateman said he received support this week from many in the Marlborough Car Club of which he is president, and also the wider community.

‘‘Everyone has been ringing up and offering to help. That really helps and makes you feel good. It also puts the pressure on to perform.’’

Kaikoura driver Regan Ross and brother Neil Ross as co-driver are also heading to the Wairarapa as well as Allen Kermeen in a Subaru WRX.

Bateman will drive from the 17th spot, with Ross taking off in his BDA Ford Escort from 22nd and Kermeen in 65th.

Radovan is seeded 25th for the event.