Top seed Robbie Stokes and his team have won a race against time and will take their place at the opening round of the New Zealand Rally Championship this week.
Stokes heavily crashed his Stokes Motorsport Skoda Fabia Rally 2 car at a rally sprint a fortnight ago in the build-up to the Otago Rally, and the team has been racing the clock to repair it in time for this weekend.
But a relieved Stokes confirmed on Tuesday that the car was repaired and would take its place for the 50th anniversary of the iconic event.
“Just under 10 days ago, we weren’t sure whether we would be lining up for the 50th anniversary of Otago Rally, but with the help of these people, it has been made possible,” Stokes posted to social media.
“Jack Stokes, James Palmer, Mum and Dad, Logan Cornish Panel Beating, Dave Pettigrew, Lew and Quentin Palmer, Stew from Dunsmuire Rallysport, GTB Engineering, Cam and Katie from 47 Signs.
“I cannot thank you all enough for the time and effort you have put into getting the car ready.
“Let’s go have some fun.”
Stokes leads the NZRC contingent at Otago but will face stiff opposition from brother Jack Stokes (Skoda Fabia Rally 2), Jack Hawkeswood (Toyota Yaris Rally 2), Dylan Thomson (Skoda Fabia Rally 2) and Quentin Palmer (Skoda Fabia Rally 2).
The event begins with a ceremonial opening in the Octagon on Friday night before two days of competition.
Header Image: Geoff Ridder
