Rodger Freeth, Ph.D., (11 November 1950[1] – 18 September 1993) was a New Zealand motor sport competitor.
He held a Ph.D. 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[2] endurance race at Mount Panorama Circuit, Bathurst, Australia in 1982 and 1985, as well as NZ titles on NZ-built McIntosh Suzukis.
He later became one of New Zealand's most well-know 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.[3][4][5]
Contents |
| 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 |