From an article in iRallylive.com

Young renewing childhood memories next week

New Zealand’s Michael Young goes into Rally New Caledonia next week, the second round of the 2014 FIA Asia Pacific Championship, looking to get back on terms with Australia’s Tom Wilde.

Wilde finished ahead of Young last month at the opening round, the International rally of Whangarei, to lead the APRC 2WD category. Wilde is entered for New Caledonia in a Renault Clio, Young in a Proton Satria Neo.

iRally has been talking to the Kiwi:

Q) This rally rather a step into the unknown?

“I hear the roads are much harder and perhaps a little like Malaysia. I haven’t been to New Caledonia to compete yet but going rallying on a tropical island will be so different from anything else I’ve ever done before, and then of course, everything is French – the language, the food, and driving on the right-hand side of the road – or should we say wrong-side!”

Q) But you’ve been there before?

“Yes…I have been there once before when I was nine years old, where my sister Jessica and I were tagging along with Dad and the APRC-TV team… and he wonders why I’m competing now…!”

“Malcolm Read, my co-driver, has been to New Cal a few times as a mechanic so he knows more than I do.”

Q) How are you preparing for the event?

“I’m off to Sepang, Malaysia to check out some circuit racing opportunities, and while I’m there will talk to Proton, and a couple of other manufacturers. It’ll also be an opportunity to catch-up with a few racing buddies which I’m really looking forward to.”

“From there, it’s one night at home in Perth, before heading to Noumea for the rally…”

Pictured ABOVE is Michael in New Caledonia in 2001 with sister Jessica. Note the Possum Bourne tee-shirt! Pictured BELOW is Mike and sister Jess at 2013 Rally Whangarei.

From Irallylive.com http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00006601&10#