Round 3 of the 2015 NZ Rally Championship, the 2015 Lone Star Canterbury Rally on the 30th/31st of May comprised of ten special stages over 171km in the Ashley and Okuku Forests with 378km of touring.
It was a challenging weekend for many which is done and dusted for another year. So great to see smiling faces at the end of the rally. Congratulations to overall winners Ben Hunt and Tony Rawstorn. Go to chrissport.co.nz for results.
The event started with the opening ceremony at Lone Star, Manchester St, Christchurch on Saturday night followed by two exciting night stages. On Sunday the cars began from Rangiora and complete eight more stages with servicing in the Rangiora council car park. Teams toured back to the finishing ceremony and prizegiving back at Lone Star on Manchester St, Christchurch.
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Results
For full results go to ChrisSport.co.nz
Spectator Map
Seeded Entry List
Stage Description
Special Stage 1 (night) This stage has a wee bit of everything. Many of the same roads as were used in 2013 except for the last 2kms.
Special Stage 2 (night) This stage is part of other stages used in 2013; it uses the boundary of the forest, then back into the heat of the forest with the amazing Mt Grey Road and then finish coming down the start of the rally sprint road.
Special Stage 3 and 7 This is a small stage that works its way up Horseford Downs Rd. The forestry have spent a lot of money on this road which is why we have to stop it early. A great wee sprint stage!
Special Stage 4 and 8 This stage has been done in 2014 but it starts further up from the previous stage. Very fast and tight flowing; a challenging stage with a great fast few km’s to finish.
Special Stage 5 and 9 Demmocks Rd top to bottom – what can I say… If you don’t like this stage, rallying is not the sport for you. Great piece of road!
Special Stage 6 This stage comprises of SS1 and SS2 joined together from the night stage before. You get to see the corners that scared you in the dark, in the daylight. Great stage, great length and there is nothing wrong with length… finishing down the down of the rally sprint.
Special Stage 10 (Power Stage) This is the super stage using all of the famous Mt Grey Road you have already been on. This is one of the best forest stages you can do. Also finishing down the down of the rally sprint road.
Itinerary
Greg Murphy made his rallying debut in a Ford!
V8 Supercars legend Greg Murphy will made his rallying debut in the New Zealand Rally Championship at the Lone Star Canterbury Rally 2015 driving a Ford Escort. Murphy drove in the Historic class of the Lone Star Canterbury Rally with local team Stadium Motorsport. Photo by Euan Cameron.
In an interview before the event:
“I don’t know a lot (about rallying) so I don’t have any preconceived ideas,” said Murphy.
“I need to work it out and try and learn as I go. I’m keen to get started and see what it’s all about”
“I’ve got no expectations other than to have some fun and enjoy myself. The only goal will be to get to the finish.”
His only previous experience on gravel was the 2004 Silverstone Race to The Sky held in the Cardrona Valley, Central Otago, where he raced a purpose built Holden Commodore Ute.
“I loved every minute of it,” commented Murphy. “It was an absolute thrill.”
Murphy will be thrown in the deep end as the rally gets underway with two night stages on Saturday evening (30 May) before a full day of eight competition stages on Sunday (31 May).
“Yes, it is going to be really interesting,” commented Murphy. “Not only will it be new driving in a rally but it will be my first competitive stage in the pitch black. Read more…
Okuku & Ashley Forests, the location of the 2015 Lone Star Canterbury Rally.