The Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC) title battle resumes this weekend with round four, the Daybreaker Rally, taking place in Manawatu. As the second half of the championship kicks off, the competition is tighter than ever, with just a single point separating the top drivers. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown, with new challenges awaiting on unfamiliar roads.
Robbie Stokes Leads the Charge
Championship leader Robbie Stokes enters this weekend’s event with a slim one-point advantage. Stokes, driving the Stokes Motorsport Ford Fiesta AP4, has been in top form this season, showcasing a new level of consistency that has kept him at the front. However, the Daybreaker Rally presents a unique challenge as it’s a rally Stokes has yet to compete in. His ability to adapt to unfamiliar roads will be tested, especially with two strong rivals breathing down his neck.
Ben Hunt and Hayden Paddon Pose a Threat
Two-time national champion Ben Hunt is right on Stokes’ heels, trailing by just a single point. The Skoda New Zealand Fabia Rally 2 driver is known for his decade-long consistency, and with his factory-built car, he’ll be more comfortable on the tight and technical roads in Manawatu. Hunt faced a slight disadvantage in earlier rounds on the fast, open South Island roads, but the Daybreaker Rally may play to his strengths.
Behind Hunt, seven-time New Zealand champion and WRC rally winner Hayden Paddon is lurking. After missing the season opener in Otago, Paddon has stormed back with victories in the last two rounds. The Hyundai New Zealand i20 Rally 2 driver is no stranger to success in Manawatu, having won the Daybreaker Rally last year when the event returned after a decade-long absence. He will be a formidable competitor as he eyes a late charge for the championship.
Brendan Reeves and the Australian Contenders
Australian rally star Brendan Reeves makes his long-awaited return to the NZRC, piloting the Paddon Rally Sport Hyundai i20 AP4. Reeves hasn’t competed in the championship since before the COVID-19 pandemic, but he remains a wildcard in this year’s title fight. If he can regain his form quickly, Reeves could shake up the standings and challenge the frontrunners.
Fellow Australian Stewart Reid, driving the SR Automotive Mitsubishi Mirage AP4, showed promising speed as he adapted to his new car in earlier rounds. Reid will be looking to build on that momentum in the second half of the season and could emerge as a serious threat as he grows more comfortable behind the wheel.
Competitive Battles Across the Field
Emma Gilmour, in her Vantage NZ Citroen C3, will be determined to rediscover her best form as the season resumes, while young sensation Zeal Jones (Smith & Sons Skoda Fabia R5) is poised to showcase his talent at the front of the pack. Jones has impressed throughout the season and could cause an upset in Manawatu.
In the fiercely contested NZRC 2WD category, Dylan Thomson (Ford Fiesta) will look to defend his points lead. However, he faces stiff competition from Jack Stokes (Ford Fiesta) and the ever-improving Bryn Jones (Ford Fiesta). With Tim Mackersy now fully up to speed in his newly-prepared Ford Fiesta, the battle for supremacy in the 2WD class is far from settled.
The Open 2WD championship will also see its share of action, with Dave Strong (Honda Jazz) needing to make up ground against Willy Hawes (Toyota 86). Murray Percival (Ford Escort) will be another driver to watch, ready to keep the two title contenders on their toes.
Historic and Rally Challenge 4WD Showdowns
In the Historic 2WD class, Paul Fraser (Ford Escort) will be hoping for a clean run as he aims to protect his championship lead, but Mike Cameron (Mitsubishi Lancer) is hot on his heels and ready to capitalise on any slip-ups.
Meanwhile, the Rally Challenge 4WD class will see top contenders Andrew Graves (Mitsubishi EVO 3) and Caleb MacDonald (Mitsubishi EVO 6) heading north to secure crucial points in this nominated round. With several contenders sitting this one out and focusing on the next round in Bay of Plenty, this weekend’s event presents a key opportunity for those looking to make a championship push.
Drivers such as James Macdonald (Subaru Impreza), Jay Pittams (Subaru Impreza), and Gavin Feast (Subaru WRX) will be in the mix for the class win, while Julien Lenglet (Subaru Impreza), Amy Keighley (Subaru Magnum H6), and Brian Green (Mitsubishi EVO 9) will all be eyeing a spot on the podium.
Defending Titles and Gearing Up for Daybreaker
In the Rally Challenge 2WD class, defending champion Jared Parker (Toyota Corolla) is aiming to fend off a charge from Pat Norris (Toyota Yaris), who will be looking to close the gap in Manawatu.
The weekend’s action kicks off with a Super Special Stage at the Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North on Friday night. This will be followed by a full day of rallying on Saturday, starting in the dark at 5 a.m., as competitors face some of the most technical and demanding stages of the season.
With the championship fight reaching a critical juncture, the Daybreaker Rally promises to be a pivotal round in the battle for the 2024 NZRC crown. Fans can expect high drama and fierce competition as the title contenders leave it all on the line in Manawatu.