An Update from Stokes Motorsport

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6/11/2024

And just like that, we've made it to the final round of the championship!

Brian, Anne and James are on the ferry heading all the way to Northland for the final round of the NZRC, International Rally of Whangarei.

There has been a bit to do since Rally Bay of Plenty at the beginning of October. Neither Robbie or Jack managed a clean run at this event. Robbie suffered from continued gearbox issues from Daybreaker Rally, followed by a cracked exhaust manifold, which melted the wipers just in time for it to start raining! Despite all this, Robbie & Ally completed the day (unfortunately with just under 4 minutes worth of lateness penalties) 9th overall and 5th NZRC. Robbie still maintains 3rd overall in the NZRC standings so here's hoping for a trouble free run in Whangarei.

Jack and Sarah had a cracking start to the day with a Cat 2 stage win on SS2 but unfortunately the pair became unstuck in SS5 where a small mistake got them caught off the road, with a cracked windscreen and broken radiator.

Highlights of the event can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eki7VV12ntc

Rally Whangarei is always a highlight of the rally calendar, but this year there will be some new challenges!

Being run in November rather than May as has been done in previous years will make tyre wear at the forefront of everyone's minds. The roads of Northland can be hard and abrasive so in slightly warmer conditions than usual, the old saying of "to finish first, you have to finish" will be very applicable.

This rally also acts as the final round of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship which Robbie and Ally are entered in. To become APRC champions its a winner take all format, so there is a lot on the line. Robbie is familiar with most of the stages in the area so will be pushing hard!

This will be a first time appearance in Northland for Jack and Sarah. The two pass reconnaissance should give them a good chance to dial in the pace notes.

How to Watch:

• NZRC Livestream - www.nzrc.tv
• Facebook/Instagram - Stokes Motorsport
• Chris Sport - chrissport.co.nz