Rally stalwart still answering to the thrill of speed

Farmer Barry Mills, of Te Houka, is taking his trusty 1977 Hillman Avenger on the  Catlins Rally...
Farmer Barry Mills, of Te Houka, is taking his trusty 1977 Hillman Avenger on the Catlins Rally again tomorrow. Photo: Samuel White.
There is no slowing down one of the only drivers in the Catlins Rally who has started and finished every single race since it began in 1999.

Barry Mills, of Te Houka, has performed that feat  alongside co-driver Mark Allington, of Balclutha. Mr Mills has modified and maintained his 1977 Hillman Avenger, which he has raced for 24 years.

The "fast and old" vehicle had to be maintained every year and could cost anything from a "couple of thousand" to more than $10,000 to do depending on what work was needed.

It can reach up to speeds of 180kmh around the narrow roads in the Catlins.

Although he occasionally competes in other rallies, Mr Mills has taken a break from anything other than the Catlins Rally.

He still holds the record for the fastest time in the third and fourth special stages of the rally, through Cannibal Bay and Romahapa, in the class F under 1700cc classic section.

This year, he will compete in class G, as his car has been upgraded to a 2-litre engine.

Mr Mills said his love for rally car racing came down to speed. He had no intention of slowing down any time soon and would continue to race until he was no longer able.

And, the 52-year-old still has plenty of time left on the clock to take part in the Catlins Rally, which will mark its 20th anniversary in two years’ time.

The Catlins stood out because it was quite compact and [there was] less touring between the six stages.

"You’re not touring all over the place and it doesn’t take as long to do."

Mr Mills advised anyone who was interested in rally racing to join a car club so they could get advice and help from others easily.

Clerk of the course Craig Jessop said Mr Mills was one to keep an eye on in the race as he was usually "at the pointy end" of the table.

Mr Jessop said last weekend’s weather would have been "perfect" for the rally.

The forecast for this weekend is for cloud and scattered rain in the early morning.

The rally starts at 10.30am on Saturday, and has 122km of high-speed special stages on gravel roads in the Catlins.

samuel.white@odt.co.nz

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