A tight tussle between brothers Robbie and Jack Stokes is set to continue as the 2025 Mainland Rally championship (MRC) heads to its second round at the South Canterbury Hydraulics Rally South Canterbury this Saturday (10 May 2025). At the opening round in early April, Jack Stokes (Ford Fiesta AP4) won the first five stages of the Otago Rally with Robbie Stokes (Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) taking out the final three and victory by just 3.5 seconds. Close on their heels was Josh Marston (Holden Barina AP4) followed by Caleb MacDonald (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo6).
“The new car is going really well, and I am coming to grips with it,” commented Robbie Stokes. “Shane (Reynolds) and I gelled more and more at Otago, the car is getting more comfortable, and confidence is growing. South Canterbury is a fast rally so I’m confident the car will be quick. It’s the car to have in the forest particularly.”
Seven separate classes will see their own battles continuing in mid-Canterbury. Josh Silcock/Donna Elder (Toyota Starlet) line up leading Class A (0-1300cc) ahead of Jak Elliott/Blair Brosnan (Toyota Echo) who have not entered the event.
Thomas Paul/Bridget Airey (Honda Civic) were first home in Class B (1601cc and over) in Otago and will come under pressure from Harri Silcock/Mark Greenwood (Toyota Starlet).
Deane Buist is defending his 2024 Class C (1601cc and over) title and is always a potential threat for an overall podium. The battle for Class D (4WD) will be determined by the overall result with Robbie Stokes currently leading brother Jack and Marston.
Stephen Gill (Ford Escort Mk2) is defending his 2024 Class F (Classic 2WD) title and has a four-point ahead of Paul Cross/Janey Blair (Toyota Corolla AE86).
With Class H6 leaders Tim Smith/Ben Trevelyan (Subaru Impreza) not entered this round, it gives second placed Kevin Laird the opportunity to jump ahead.
The event also doubles as the second round of the NZ Rally Championship. A Ceremonial Start will take place on Friday evening, 9 May 2025, in the Mitre 10 Carpark (cnr Bank and Arthur Street) Timaru from 5pm. Eight Special Stages make up 144.78km with 229.28km of Touring Stages across Saturday with the first car departing from the Timaru International Raceway (Levels) at 7:30am returning to the venue for the popular final Stage 8 and four-timed laps around the circuit. The first service is at Cave from 10:00am with the second service in Temuka from 1:15pm.
The 2025 Mainland Rally Championship has the support of RDL Performance, Brita Safety Ltd, Palmside NZ Ltd, Christchurch Building and Decorating Ltd, Thomson Rust and Repair Services Ltd, Rally Drive NZ.
Overall Points (Top 15) after 1/6 rounds
1/ Robbie Stokes 30
2/ Jack Stokes 26
3/ Josh Marston 23
4/ Caleb MacDonald 20
5/ Deane Buist 18
6/ Tim Smith 17
7/ Thomas Paul 16
8/ Brian Green 15
9/ Stephen Gill 14
10/ Sean Haggarty 13
11/ Dave Ollis 12
12/ Kevin Laird 11
13/ Richard Galley 10
14/ James McIver 9
15/ Harri Silcock 8
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