Kerikeri’s Stephen Barker is looking to improve on last years result when he tackles the Rally of the North on October 9.
Last year, Barker was one of the favourites to win the event in the Rintoul Civil Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8, but crashed out on the very first stage.
After a season in a two-wheel drive Ford Fiesta as part of the Rally New Zealand Rising Stars Scholarship that netted Barker his first national rally championship title, he and co-driver Richard Ellis will step back into last years four-wheel drive turbo Evo which is still in the same group N specification, including a 32mm turbo restrictor.
The Paihia based event holds much significance for Barker, who turns 22 the day before the event. Not only is it a home rally for him, but also his major sponsors Rintoul Civil and Bakerboys Nurseries along with many of supporters.
In a quality field, Barker has been seeded sixth, a position that should leave him a nicely swept line and good road conditions to attack what he considers the best roads in the country.
“I am really looking forward to this event,” says Barker. “We have had a great year in the Fiesta but I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of the Evo, especially on the roads up here and in front of my biggest supporters.”
Rally of the North runs on October 9 when 54 Crews will tackle eight special stages totalling 186.7 kilometres before returning to the host town of Paihia for the finish just before 5.30pm.
– Credit: BB Media.