At the age of 18, Mason Grimmer competed in his first event back in 2018. Peter Grimmer, Mason’s dad and an ex Rally enthusiast has been an enormous influence on Grimmer’s love of the sport. Acting as pit-crew and a coach, he encouraged Mason when he was starting out to drive each event “blind” – This is a rally term meaning that the driver has to drive the stage without any information about what is coming. They need to drive at high speed, reading the road as it comes. This unconventional way of training, has become the foundation for Grimmer’s technique and skill as a driver. Peter fixed up his old Mazda 323 BFMR for Mason with the intention of “seeing how he went”, and Mason has showed natural talent.
Two rallys and eight rally sprints later with one year in the workshop amongst it all, Mason entered 2021 with high hopes. The year before saw Mason a third place podium finish at the Waitomo Clubmans Rally.
A “blind rally”. With his training background in blind racing, Mason had an edge.
2021 brought a new season and an addition to the crew. Rookie, Daniel Merwyn entered the team as a first time Navigator.
The first event of the year brought Mason and Daniel a win. A gravel sprint in Hawkes Bay with 0.6 seconds between first and second.
After a heartbreaking crash at NZ Rally Whangarei, the pair returned to the scene at NZ Rally Hawkes Bay. Through brake failure, loose hubs and misaligned steering, the boys stole first place among AllComers.
2022 is now on the Horizon. With problems being fixed and new ideas being put to action, anticipation and hopes are high, waiting to show what the pair can put forward.
MASON GRIMMER MOTORSPORT 