Jones and Thomson fourth in Rally Asuka as Morizo Challenge heats up

Rising Kiwi rallying star Zeal Jones currently sits in third position overall in the points table after three rounds of the all-Japan Morizo Challenge Cup series.

Jones and co-driver Bayden Thomson were in action at the weekend in the Rally Asuka, battling their way to fourth overall in the ten-stage rally despite weather and mechanical challenges.

Punctures and the loss of crucial second gear late on the first day limited the duo to fourth on times after six stages with plenty of work to do.

Day 2 was a much cleaner one for the Kiwis and they were able to focus on catching the three crews ahead of them.

They charged hard on the final four stages of ten on the rally, beginning the day 11 seconds in arrears of another podium finish. They had battled their way to third by lunch but lost time to CUSCO teammate Shusei Matsubara on the penultimate stage. At the close Jones and Thomson were five seconds in arrears and had to be content with fourth overall.

“First of all, I would like to congratulate my teammate Matsubara for his first podium. He drove really well. We just weren't at his level on stage nine where he put in an absolutely great drive,” said Jones afterwards. “Fourth place is not a bad result, but considering where we were aiming, it's still disappointing.  “It's only a five-second difference, but in the championship, these small differences can make all the difference. Finally, I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to the team for the great job they did, including changing the transmission during the final service on Saturday.”

“We don’t have to wait too long for the fourth round, and we’ll be coming out fighting for that first win. We’re learning all the time.”

The Morizo Challenge Cup  is a new category run as a class within the All Japan Rally Championship. All crews compete in Toyota’s GR Yaris, where tight rules and limited modifications put the focus on driver skill and teamwork.

All drivers must be under 25 years old and the objective of the championship is to provide a stepping stone to higher rallying categories for Japan’s rising rally stars. With a Japanese mother, Jones’ entry into the championship was welcomed.