Stokes secures win at Vertex Oil International Rally of Whangarei
Robbie Stokes has won his second career Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship event by taking out the season-ending Vertex Oil International Rally of Whangarei.
Stokes (Stokes Motorsport Skoda Fabia Rally 2) beat home the 2025 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally champion Ben Hunt (Skoda New Zealand Fabia Rally 2) by one minute and 15 seconds on Sunday to finish his campaign on a high.
Hunt, who did enough on day one on Saturday to wrap up the title, joins Hayden Paddon, Richard Mason and Bruce Herbert in the list of men to win at least four career championships.
Jack Stokes (Stokes Motorsport Ford Fiesta AP4) had been fighting his brother Robbie over the lead of the event throughout the contest until a puncture on stage 16 saw him drop time and fall off the podium.
Instead, Jack Hawkeswood grabbed a podium in the debut event for his brand new Vertu Equipment Toyota Yaris Rally 2. Hawkeswood edged Hunt to grab second in day two honours.
Bryn Jones (Ford Fiesta Rally 4) took advantage of a late drama for NZRC 2WD rival Tim Mackersy (Ford Fiesta Rally 4) to pick up the class win. He also did enough to secure the overall 2WD title as well.
Dave Strong (Honda Jazz) claimed the Open 2WD class win to celebrate his 2025 class title that he secured by entering the event.
Tim McIver was rewarded for bringing his Ford Escort up from Christchurch by taking out the Historic 2WD class win ahead of Mike Cameron (Mitsubishi Lancer).
Deane Buist (Ford Escort) had already won the championship on Saturday, while Cameron jumped to second with another podium finish in Whangarei.
The championship will return in 2026 with the first round to be held in Otago in April.
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