Brendan happy with AP4 test ahead of Rally of Otago

Brendan Reeves drove the Lock and Load Transport Stokes Motorsport AP4 car for the first time on Sunday and he came away very impressed.

Reeves headed to New Zealand to test the car which he’ll drive in next month’s Rally of Otago and he couldn’t be happier.

 

With a brand new engine fitted for the start of the season, Sunday’s test was a great opportunity to run it in and fine tune the Motec ECU.

 

 

The Stokes Motorsport Team tested on a forest road near Geraldine in New Zealand’s south island, trying out many different set ups throughout the day.

 

With MCA Suspension fitted to the car, the day also gave Reeves and the team a chance to try out different spring rates and clicks on the suspension.

 

“The test went really well,” Reeves said.  “The Stokes Motorsport Team have built a great car and it was great to have the opportunity to do some fine tuning and set it up to my driving style well ahead of the actual rally.”

 

The car has been fitted with Winmax brake pads which are supplied by former World Rally Championship star Hayden Paddon’s business, Paddon Rallysport, and Paddon was on hand to provide advice on setting up and getting the best out of the brakes.

 

Reeves was rapt to have Paddon’s support and said the brake pads are the best he has driven on.

 

As well as testing the AP4 car, Reeves spent part of the day training fellow team members Robbie and Amy Stokes who will contest Rally of Otago in an R2 Fiesta.

 

With Reeves’ background and experience driving Fiesta R2s he was able to provide plenty of tips and advice to the duo, and he’ll continue to work with them during the rally.

 

“After a really successful test, I can’t wait for Rally of Otago,” Reeves said.  “The Lock and Load Transport Stokes Motorsport AP4 is an awesome car and I’m super excited to be able to drive it on the beautiful New Zealand roads.”

 

Rally of Otago will be based out of Dunedin on April 13 and 14.

 

Visit Brendan's Photo Gallery for more great photos from the test day.

 

Photo: Wishart Media