Inkster and co-driver Glenn Goldring have had a strong debut to Group N that has included several top three stage times at the opening two rounds and despite an electrical problem causing a retirement from one leg, they still sit eighth in the championship, only five points away from fifth placed Kingsley Thompson.
After progressing with the set up of the car at Rally New Zealand, the team entered the James Allan Memorial Rallysprint as a test session. With changes to the car, Inkster's confidence and pace grew and in the end he took a comfortable victory in a quality field that included NZRC rivals Glenn Smith and Dave Strong as well as the hugely experienced Jean-Louis Leyraud.
"We have made some great changes to the car across Rally NZ and then the James Allan," says Inkster, "Having so much more confidence in the car makes a huge difference."
Adding to the teams optimism, Inkster has always enjoyed the Whangarei event and has gone well at each attempt, "It’s a well run rally on great roads," he comments. Starting 16th on the stages also means Inkster can expect a well swept line on the gravel stages.
The Rally Whangarei kicks off with Inkster, Goldring and other competitors signing autographs at the Cameron Street Mall in Whangarei on Friday 2 July from 3.30pm, followed by a ceremonial start.
The following day teams will tackle eight stages in the Whangarei and Kaipara districts, followed by a further eight stages and a ceremonial finish on Sunday July 4.
Photo: Jess Green
- Full access
- Exclusive news
- Store & Tour discounts
