Images Geoff Ridder
The ‘battle of the Jacks’ ended at Rally Whangarei when championship contender Jack Stokes crashed and Manukau’s Jack Hawkeswood realised a childhood dream, becoming the first-ever second-generation driver to win the New Zealand Rally Championship.
He claimed a dominant victory at the International Rally of Whangarei to take an unassailable lead with one round remaining.
Hawkeswood, in his Toyota Yaris Rally 2 car, finished 56.8 seconds ahead of Robbie Stokes (Stokes Motorsport Skoda Fabia Rally 2).
“It is very special alright,” an emotional Hawkeswood said at the end of the final stage where his team and father Andrew were waiting.
“It is hard to think that I thought my rallying career was nearly over at this rally, so to come back and dominate – I am just rapt.”
Quentin Palmer (Skoda Fabia Rally 2) completed the podium.
Four-time national champion Ben Hunt was fourth in the car that Jack Hawkeswood’s father Andrew Hawkeswood piloted to the 2017 title.
The title race reached the decisive moment on the first day of the rally when Hawkeswood’s title rival Jack Stokes crashed heavily, ending his hopes of taking a first championship title.
Hawkeswood’s title is believed to be the first time a father and son have won the championship.
Tim Mackersy (Ford Fiesta) won both Open 2WD and Overall 2WD. He dominated the time sheets on day two to overhaul Dave Strong (Honda Jazz) and claim the class.
Ari Pettigrew crashed out, rolling his Porsche 911.
Phil Macquarie (Ford Escort) cruised to victory in the Historic class while Mike Cameron (Mitsubishi Lancer) produced his best performance of the year to beat Pat Norris (Toyota Corolla) for the second step of the podium.
Macquarie’s win is enough to guarantee him the title – he is the maximum 30 points clear with another 30 on offer at the final round but he would hold the tie break regardless.
Ben Harding (Mazda RX7) was the first classic car home and won the Classics class to put one hand on the class title. He finished well over three minutes clear of Andy Martin (Ford Escort), while Roger McKay was a further minute behind in his Ford Escort.
