Rallying a Toyota Hilux 4x4 in Thailand was a totally new experience for Ōpōtiki rally-driver Mike Young. However, he and co-driver Amy Hudson finished second overall and first in-class at last weekend's two-day XCR Sprint Cup, held 150km west of Bangkok.

“I really enjoyed the faster, smoother roads, but when it was rough I wasn't quite sure how much to push.

“The trucks are built really strong, and as the event went on I got more confident going hard through the rough and rocky stages.

“Very happy with our result given we were racing in the production class against much more modified trucks,” said Young at the ceremonial finish on Sunday.

“The Hilux we drove was so close to showroom class that it even had air conditioning and as it was humid and 35 degrees most of the time, we made good use of that.”

Young had been invited to drive by the Thailand-based Fast Forward Sport team and given the result there may be future invitations.

Young and Hudson were impressed by the warm hospitality and enthusiasm of the Thai motorsport community.