“The intention is to have a reduced campaign this year, after a particularly hectic 2006. However,” he adds with glee, “I intend exchanging quantity for quality.”

Last year saw Nick contest the full New Caledonian championship, as well as selected events on his home soil. Even with cars and parts based in both countries, resources were stretched. His intention is to bring the Peugeot 106 remaining in Noumea back to Auckland, but not before competing in April's opening round of the 2007 FIA Asia-Pacific Championship, based in the tourist mecca.

“That series looks awesome. The Australians are now taking it seriously whilst this year will see the largest French contingent in the history of the championship.” “ Competing against that calibre of opposition can only be beneficial to my own career. It would be very easy just to play in my own back yard,” he explains, “ but you cannot expect to develop unless you move outside your comfort zone.”

With this in mind, his plans also include the second round of the championship, the newly-created Rally of Whangarei. “Once again, the intention is to place the greatest focus on these bigger events. We've significantly upgraded the suspension on the NZ-based Peugeot 106, so we'd be looking to get in amongst the more-seasoned international runners.” ‘Significant' indeed. The Reiger suspension units are worth almost $3,000 for each corner of the car but have a much-envied reputation for stability and traction.

While Marshall's sights are set firmly on the future, his 2007 campaign has already started with a hiss and a roar.

Nick scored a hard-fought second outright behind tarmac specialist Charlie Evans at Waikato's Mt Pirongia rallysprint, while last weekend saw a top ten finish at the Dunlop Ruby Rallyfeste. This latter event, run to celebrate 40 years of rallying in New Zealand, was particularly poignant for Nick.

“It was my first-ever opportunity to compete against my father (Mike) and brother (Scott). Dad was somewhat of a household name back in the 70's, so it was a real thrill to see the respect with which he's still held by the rally fraternity.” “Of course,' he admits mischievously, “beating him and eventual winner Grant Liston in a number of stages just added to the pleasure of the occasion.”

The rally itself was a rarity in this country – a mix of both asphalt and gravel stages. “It's the first time we haven't been blitzed by the turbo four wheel drives,” he says, with satisfaction. “The tarmac element meant the 2wd cars were less disadvantaged, while the tight forestry roads (run without the benefit of recconnaissance) meant the results were determined more by driver skill than sheer power.”

Before the diet of Asia-Pacific delights commences in earnest, Nick has pencilled in a shakedown at Whangarei, and a low-key clubmans event in Tauranga. And, if he has time, will continue some planned development work on the family Peugeot 306. Or the 4wd Laser Lynx. Or the rear-wheel drive Peugeot 206 project. Or the…

Nick can be contacted for further information or photos on 021 662 002