Hunt Secures Third Championship Victory in Whitianga Rally

Hayden Hunt clinched his third victory in the New Zealand Rally Championship at the Whitianga rally, finishing 10.4 seconds ahead of title contender Robbie Stokes on March 24, 2024. Hunt, driving a Skoda Fabia Rally 2, displayed a commanding performance throughout the event, enabling him to extend his lead in the championship standings.

The competition heated up as Hunt and Stokes exchanged times throughout the day, but Hunt managed to maintain an advantage established during the opening stage. His victory was further bolstered by securing the maximum five bonus points for winning the power stage, increasing his championship lead over Stokes to 11 points with only two rounds remaining.

Jack Stokes, competing in a Ford Fiesta AP4, secured third place, marking his second consecutive podium finish. Jack Hawkeswood followed closely behind in fourth place, driving a Toyota GR Yaris AP4, while Kingsley Jones rounded out the top five in his Skoda Fabia R5.

In the NZRC 2WD class, Bryn Jones continued his impressive campaign, winning against Tim Mackersy, with both drivers competing in identical Ford Fiesta Rally 4 cars. Jones finished 23.8 seconds ahead, solidifying his position in the class.

Deane Buist achieved his fourth consecutive victory in the historic 2WD class, piloting his Ford Escort. Despite facing a clutch issue, Stephen Gill, also in a Ford Escort, managed to secure second place, while Pat Norris finished third in his Toyota Corolla.

In the rally challenge 4WD category, Haydn Mackenzie excelled after transitioning to the Toyota Proto, securing the win. Julien Lenglet, driving a Subaru Impreza, delivered an impressive performance to claim second, while Andy Martin took third place in his Subaru WRX, narrowly beating Gavin Feast for the final podium spot.

The rally challenge 2WD class saw Kyle Percival complete a solid drive for victory. Additionally, Kevin Laird emerged victorious in the group A challenge, finishing ahead of Josh Keighley in a competitive face-off between two Subaru H6 vehicles.

Looking ahead, the New Zealand championship will continue with the Rally of Bay of Plenty, scheduled for six weeks from now. This promising event will certainly add more excitement to the ongoing championship battle as competitors prepare for the next challenge.