Just when he thought he would have to watch from the sidelines this season, determined young Palmerston North racing driver Ryan Bailey has put together a deal to contest the opening round of the 2010/11 Suzuki Swift Sport Cup.
Last season the 21-year-old finished a close second in the MINI Challenge behind the wheel of one of two Team Kiwi Racing entries but though garnering plenty of positive attention the result didn't lead to any concrete offers for 2010/11.
To keep his hand in Bailey, who has been living and working in Auckland since his MINI Challenge campaign, contested the North Island Sprint Kart championships in Auckland over Labour Weekend, winning the Senior 100cc Yamaha Heavy class title, and never quite gave up on a plan to contest the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup.
That said, when he hadn't managed to raise enough sponsorship by the time the first series entry deadline came round he thought his career had stalled.
However, this week, with the help of fellow Palmerston North driver Sam Robinson, he acquired the lease of a car, and with nothing to lose he got on the phone.
The result?
Through the good graces of Auckland-based company New Zealand Roadside Assistance, and Palmerston North businesses Wright Metals, Warren Anderson Motors, Dittmer Collision Repairs and Simpson Suit & Bridal Hire he was able to come up with a budget to cover the first round of the 2010/11 Suzuki Swift Cup series.
"All credit to everyone who answered the phone," says Bailey. "I wouldn't be doing this without their help."
Bailey will be part of an 18-strong field for the opening round of the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup, one which includes a mix of established series front runners and new faces.
