The MRT crew set out on Stage 2 and immediately gained a second off Dean Herridge (Impreza WRX) and Stewart Reid (Lancer) , stage 3 they were 10 seconds to the nearest privateer, and stage 4 ("Gentle Annie" twisty start with fast finish through the banana plantations) they were equal fastest privateer with Stewart and Michelle Murphy.

The re group at Woolgoolga, the gaps were 16 seconds to Steward Reid, with Dean Herridge a further 2 seconds back. 

The long stage Arrawarra was next and the team opted for medium compound Falken tyres, the soft tyres wearing out fast on the dry roads. "the car was a real handful, but we made the end with plenty of tread left" Andrew said. This stage finishes on very fast Sherwood road with speeds over 200 km /hr. Dean took back 3 and Steward 6 seconds.

The next stage, the short, SS6 Store Road and the MRT crew flew, gaining back 5 on Dean and 7 on Stewart Reid.

SS7 McRae's Road, and then team needed to set a steady time, having moved to 4th outright with the unfortunate DNF of Toyota crew, Neal Bates and Coral Taylor, with radiator damage in SS6.
2 km into the stage and they were well on the pace however a well known (locally!) corner ended their dream run.

"I have driven more committed than ever today and I made a mistake, we ran wide and we ran out of road" Brett said! " I lost control when we rolled a 2nd time"! he added!!

The car rolled 2 1/2 times through the lantana bushes and ended up on its roof. Damage was minimal but the crew were out of the rally.

"The car is easy to repair but not tonight, as we don't have spare windscreen and rear suspension hub, or a (another!) bent bonnet .

MRT will compete at the Bay Stages Rally in 4 weeks followed by the ARC in Melbourne 2 weeks later.

Note Brett and Andrew are ok, it was a "soft roll!" More news later in the week.