Meeke and O’Sullivan second in New Zealand after Day 2 Struggles
Kris Meeke and Killarney’s Noel O’Sullivan finished second after a dramatic second day at the Otago Classic Rally in New Zealand.
The defending champions’ anticipated showdown with European Rally Champion Hayden Paddon didn’t materialize after the Kiwi’s steering broke early on the first stage.
Meeke and O’Sullivan went on to dominated day one, winning all eight stages and breaking records in their Ford Escort BDA, building a significant lead over local Deane Buist.
However, the 34km Akatore stage, the opening test of day 2 changed everything.
Meeke and O’Sullivan first lost their intercom, then suffered a puncture, and finally a broken stub axle. This series of issues cost them four minutes, dropping them behind Buist and Ari Pettigrew.
Despite the setbacks, Meeke managed to push hard and overtake Pettigrew for second place. Buist, driving another Ford Escort RS1800, maintained a comfortable lead, securing his fourth Otago Classic Rally victory.
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