Three local Canterbury drivers will take it to reigning national champion and current New Zealand Rally Championship leader Ben Hunt at this weekend’s third round.
The Rally of Canterbury returns to the championship for the first time since 2019. Local stars Robbie Stokes (Stokes Motorsport Skoda Rally 2), Jack Stokes (Stokes Motorsport Ford Fiesta AP4) and Josh Marston (RDL Holden Barina AP4) will all fancy their chances on familiar roads.
Having won both previous events this season, Hunt starts as favourite in the Skoda New Zealand Fabia Rally 2. His pace and consistency have been hallmarks of his success over the past year and a half, in particular, and the chasing pack will need to lift if they are to challenge him.
Jack Hawkeswood (Force Motorsport GR Yaris) and Haydn Mackenzie (Albany Toyota Yaris AP4) complete the NZRC 4WD class after Emma Gilmour withdrew for personal reasons. Both Toyota drivers could factor into the podium battle.
Bryn Jones and Tim Mackersy will continue their battle in the NZRC 2WD class in their matching Ford Fiesta Rally 4 cars while they are joined by Japanese driver Fuyuhiko Takahashi (Ford Fiesta) for this round.
Cantabrian Dylan Thomson joins the Open 2WD class in his Ford Fiesta and starts as a clear favourite ahead of title combatants Dave Strong (Honda Jazz) and Paul Cross (Toyota Corolla)
Deane Buist is another Canterbury driver who will enjoy being on familiar roads. In his Ford Escort, he will be the man to beat in the Historic 2WD class.
Chasing him will be the Ford Escorts of Tim McIver, Stephen Gill and Andy Martin, plus Pat Norris (Toyota Corolla) and Mike Cameron (Mitsubishi Lancer).
Championship leader Caleb Macdonald will aim for three wins in the Rally Challenge 4WD class in his Mitsubishi EVO 6.
The Subaru H6 pairing of Josh Keighley and Kevin Laird will keep him honest, while veteran driver Brian Green (Mitsubishi EVO 9) could also be a factor.
The three-way battle in the Rally 2WD battle continues with last-start winner Darren Galbraith (Ford Fiesta) starting as the favourite ahead of Thomas Paul (Honda Civic) and Ian Warren (Nissan Pulsar).
The rally begins on Sunday.
Header Image: Geoff Ridder
