Rodger Freeth
New Zealand motor sport competitor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rodger "Roj" Vincent Freeth, 24 December 1953[1][2][3] – 18 September 1993) was a New Zealand motor sport competitor.
New ZealanderTauranga, New Zealand
Perth, Australia
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Born | 24 December 1953 Tauranga, New Zealand |
| Died | 18 September 1993 (aged 39) Perth, Australia |
| World Rally Championship record | |
| Active years | 1977–1993 |
| Driver | Possum Bourne Neil Allport John Tee Pentti Airikkala Alan Carter |
| Teams |  Subaru World Rally Team Subaru Tecnica International |
| Rallies | 24 |
| Championships | 0 |
| Rally wins | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Stage wins | 15 |
| First rally | 1977 Rally New Zealand |
| Last rally | 1993 Rally Australia |
Career
He held a PhD in physics and had a distinguished academic and motorsport career. His first love was motorcycles and whilst he was still at university he built a radical Yamaha TZ750A with an aerofoil. As a result, the controlling body (New Zealand Auto-Cycle Union) banned the use of aerodynamic aids in motorcycle racing. He won the Arai 500[4] endurance race at Mount Panorama Circuit, Bathurst, Australia in 1982 and 1985, as well as NZ titles on NZ-built McIntosh Suzukis.
Awards and recognition
He later became one of New Zealand's best known rally co-drivers, first with Neil Allport and then with Peter "Possum" Bourne. As a driver he also won TraNZam titles in his V8 Starlet.
Freeth died in 1993 as a result of injuries received in an accident on the first day of the World Championship event Rally Australia co-driving for Possum Bourne.[5][6][7]
World Rally Championship results
Other International Rally results
| Result | Year | Rally | Driver | Car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1981 | Motogard of Rally New Zealand | Alan Mitchell | Ford Escort RS1800 |
| 2 | 1988 | Rally Australia (APRC) | Possum Bourne | Subaru RX Turbo |