The challenging tarmac roads of the Taranaki district are the venue for round two of the Winmax Brake Pads North Island Rally Series this Sunday.
The SBT Group Taranaki Tarmac Rally will see drivers competing over 80 kms of twisty and fast roads to the east of Stratford.
Among the leading contenders will be Auckland driver Clint Cunningham, who holds a 6-point lead in the series after his win at the opening round. He will be competing this weekend in his RCK Ford Fiesta Proto, switching from his Skoda Fabia R5 which suffered damage at Rally Whangarei.
A tarmac event will be a fresh challenge for Cunningham.
“I have limited experience on tarmac, but I think the Ford will better than the Skoda on tarmac with 18-inch wheels. I’m looking to gain more experience as I am sure we will see tarmac used in the NZRC in the future,” Cunningham says.
It’s another Ford Fiesta driver who is likely to be Cunningham’s toughest competition. Tauranga’s Phil Campbell (main photo) will line-up in his Ford Fiesta AP4, looking to go one better after his second place at the Winmax NIRS opener.
“I am confident, despite only having done a few tarmac hill climbs,” says Campbell.
“The car has been lowered and we’ve got tarmac wheels and tyres, but it’s basically the same spec as we use on gravel. My target will be to take the NIRS points lead so I am aiming for the rally win.”
Tarmac events can be an opportunity for two-wheel-drive competitors to challenge their four-wheel-drives rivals, and experienced Hamilton driver Charlie Evans has plenty of experience on these stages with his rapid Mazda RX7, having twice finished second at the Taranaki event.
“My experience should count over the younger drivers but our chances against the four-wheel-drives will be hugely dependent on weather,” says Evans.
A twist for this year’s event will see it run without safety notes, with drivers and co-drivers left to read the road as they see it.
“I can’t remember the last time I did an event without notes, but I am confident that
between Brianna (Little) and me we can read the roads,” says Campbell.
Cunningham is also counting on his co-driver to play an important role in their bid for success.
“I have a crazy Irish co-driver [Noel Moloney], so that’s my secret weapon in a blind rally!”
The rally starts from Stratford at 10am, with the first special stage starting at 10.40am. The cars return to the Stratford Showgrounds at midday for service and the rally will finish around 2.15pm.
NIRS points after Round 1
1/ Clint Cunningham, 40pts
2/ Phil Campbell, 34pts
3/ Raana Horan, 30pts
4/ Mike Goldsbury, 27pts
5/ Zeal Jones, 24pts
6/ Charlie Evans, 22pts
7/ Jay Pittams, 20pts
8/ Justin Glavish, 18pts
9/ Grant Liston, 16pts
10/ Daniel Haines, 14pts
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