It’s Robbie Stokes third season in the New Zealand Rally Championship and it is all about learning and preparation for the next step.
The Cantabrian, along with his co-driving sister Amy, are competing in the NZ 2WD Championship in a Ford Fiesta R2. It was a rough start for the pair at the 2019 Rally Otago crashing out on day 1, SS5 McIntosh Road.
They bounced back wining their class at the next round, Rally Whangarei, in a leased Fiesta and have continued with this car at Rally Canterbury where they again finished first.
Their first year in the national champs the pair finished third overall in the 2WD category in a Toyota Levin.
“We were battling the Ford Fiesta’s with that car but just didn’t have enough pace,” commented Robbie. “So we got one of these (Fiesta) obviously and are right on the pace.
“We had a few crashes at the start of last year’s season and ended up finishing fourth.”
“Hopefully we can get into the AP4 Fiesta next year as we have the pace this year in the R2 and getting the results.”
Robbie and Amy’s father, Brian Stokes, is currently competing in a Ford Fiesta AP4 car in the NZ Rally Championship. (See Ex NZ Rally Champ relishes new Ford Fiesta AP4)
“The R2 is setting me up to drive the AP4. Straight is fast, as it has the most momentum and speed. These cars (R2) teach all of that and is the best to learn from.”
With ex championship driver Brian Stokes for his father you would think Robbie would be able to learn from the ‘master’.
“There is a lot of stuff we have differences about. Neither of us are good passengers so we can’t really go with each other and teach what we know.
“My sister Amy is really good to have as a co-driver. The family aspect of it is great cos if you have a problem you can let it all out knowing it will be all right and you move on.
“The long term intention is to compete overseas, particularly in the JWRC in the next few years, but the main goal is to win the NZ champs.”
Comments