Auckland’s Mark Tapper has taken another maximum points haul at round 5 of the New Zealand Ford Fiesta Sporting Trophy Series, held over the first two days of the Rally New Zealand.
Day one covered two stages run twice and a short blast around the Mystery Creek super special stage. Tapper started the day as he meant to go on, taking a 9 second stage win over Kayne Barrie. Not having such a good start to the day was Southlander Chris Lange, puncturing towards the end of the stage and losing over 35 seconds.
Stage two was the longest of the rally at nearly 44 kilometers and Tapper made his move, 38 seconds faster than Lange. Puncturing this time was Barrie, leaving him just 1.4 seconds ahead of Lange in second place as the crews headed to the first service.
The afternoon provided more of the same for Tapper, extending his margin for the day to 2 minutes 42.1 seconds. However second place went to Lange after Barrie punctured again, having to stop and losing over three minutes.
Day two offered six special stages that gave Tapper the same result, winning every stage, giving him a winning margin for the leg of 2 minutes 15.3 seconds over Lange, with Barrie a further 56.8 seconds behind.
The result leaves Tapper just 5 points behind Barrie with one leg remaining in Nelson on September 30, meaning that a win will see Tapper win the title regardless of where Barrie finishes.
Points Kayne Barrie 241 Mark Tapper 236 Chris Lange 188 Dermott Malley 40
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
RallySport Magazine Subscription
Select Subscription Level
Select Subscription Length
Recurring Subscription Cost
A subscription to RallySport Magazine give you access to all our rally
content from Australia, New Zealand and around the world – with news,
features and experiences nobody can match.
Our team are dedicated to providing an unrivalled experience which
shares, supports and promotes the sport of rallying.
By clicking "Subscribe Now" you agree to receive news, offers and updates on RallySport Magazine.
If you do not wish to receive marketing communications, you can update your preferences in My Account.
We will commence charging your payment method after the 7 day free trial expires.
If you cancel after expiry of your trial, cancellation will take effect from the end of your current monthly subscription period.
You will not be refunded any fees paid to RallySport Magazine unless otherwise set out in the terms and conditions.
Account Created!
Welcome to RallySport Magazine VIP Membership.
Get ready for your rally news experience to completely transform.
Start browsing news, exclusive VIP content or check out your account.
