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Subaru statement on Possum Bourne
Possum Bourne The team was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Possum Bourne following a road accident in New Zealand on 18 April. Possum was New Zealand's most successful rally driver. Remaining loyal to Subaru throughout his professional ...
Published: May 2, 2003, 10:53 PM
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Possum Bourne
The team was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Possum Bourne following a road accident in New Zealand on 18 April. Possum was New Zealand's most successful rally driver. Remaining loyal to Subaru throughout his professional career, Possum won 3 FIA Asia Pacific titles and 7 Australian Rally Championships. He was a member of the Subaru World Rally Team during the 1990s, competing alongside some of the sport's top names and earning the respect and friendship of all of them.
555 SWRT Team Principal David Lapworth:
"Possum was one of the great characters of the sport. No one could question his determination and competitiveness behind the wheel, but it was this skill combined with an energetic and friendly personality out of the car which earned him so many admirers the world over.
"Possum was truly a great ambassador for Subaru. He was one of the first to test the rally capabilities of their cars and drove an RX Coupe on his first WRC event in New Zealand 1983. His early efforts were instrumental in Subaru's decision to go into World rallying. Possum's loyalty was much appreciated by everyone connected to Subaru in rallying.
"Over a 20-year career, Possum competed with and often beat some of the best drivers in the world. His home in New Zealand was far removed from Europe, generally regarded as the centre of the sport, but his passion and determination earned him a truly global profile.
"Above all, Possum was enormously popular. He was someone who was always positive, optimistic and full of enthusiasm. Possum was always a good friend to our team and every time the WRC visited New Zealand, he prepared a very warm welcome and offered his help.
"I am sure that all Possum's friends in the SWRT, past and present, and all his many friends throughout the WRC will miss not having him around. Our thoughts go to Peggy and his family."
-subaru-
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