Stokes Home Rally

Robbie Stokes is hoping to claim back-to-back wins in his Ford Fiesta AP4 when the Canterbury Rally returns this weekend.

Stokes won the event last year in a Ford Escort, the first time the event has been won in a 2WD car for 36 years.

His younger brother Jack Stokes, with co-driver Sarah Faulkner, will also be competing in the event, and is out for redemption after crashing out on the final stage in 2023.

Stokes Motorsport, based in Waikuku, has had a very successful start to the season.

Robbie, alongside new co-driver Sarah Brennan, has secured second overall at the first two rounds of the New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC).

On the back of these two performances, the pair lead the national championship.

Jack has shown great pace in his rookie year of the NZRC. He has achieved two podium finishes in his Ford Fiesta R2 at the Otago and South Canterbury Rally's, even after losing time in the latter event due to a snapped gear stick.

The Canterbury Rally is not part of the NZRC but will count towards the South Island based Mainland Rally Championship.

"Heading back to local roads for the Canterbury Rally is always a highlight for us. This is where I got my first rally win, and it would be awesome to be able to do that again especially with friends and family support," says Robbie.

"We are really proud to have Team Hutchinson Ford backing us this season. As a team we are finally getting the results we knew were possible and to have their support helps us to focus on the driving."

The Canterbury Rally will be held on Sunday, June 2.

Eleven North Canterbury locals will be competing in the event which has eight stages covering a total of 140km.

Most will be held in the Okuku and Ashley Forest, with plenty of spectating opportunities.

The final stage will be held at Ruapuna Motorsport Park with the first car due to start at 3.55pm. Entry is $5 per person, or $10 a car with all proceeds going to the Cancer Society.

Story via North Canterbury News.