Smith does the double
Tim Smith has claimed a crucial victory in Round Three of the H6 Cup, held as part of the Canterbury Rally over the weekend. With six cars lining up for the third round of the series, Smith’s performance on the fast and flowing gravel stages has added another win to his season tally—though the championship picture remains anything but clear.
“It was really good,” said Smith following the event. “The roads were fantastic, and the club did a fantastic job putting the rally together. It was great to have the H6 Cup as part of it.”
Smith’s win brings renewed momentum to his campaign, but the battle at the top of the points table remains close. “It’s good to take another round win for myself, but we’re still sitting third in the championship,” he explained. “We’ve got to press forward and close the gap to Josh. I worked out the points the other day—if he keeps getting second for the last three rounds, he wins—so I need to put in some strong results.”
Despite dealing with two punctures and testing out a new tyre compound during the Canterbury stages, Smith remains confident. “The car’s holding together really well,” he said. “I might change up the tyre strategy for the next rounds, but overall we’re in a good place.”
With three rounds remaining in the six-round series, the championship is wide open. Smith noted the competitive nature of the field and the consistency of drivers like Jeff Judd, who remains a strong contender. “Everyone keeps telling me I’m just going to win every round and walk away, but that’s not how it works. The way the point system is structured, consistency counts—and Juddy’s been really solid. Theoretically, he only needs to win one round to take the title.”
The H6 Cup continues to draw praise from fans and competitors alike. “It’s been really great to hear positive feedback—not just from spectators but even from other series, which is really encouraging,” said Smith. “We’re setting a standard, and hopefully others take note.”
What sets the H6 Cup apart, Smith says, is the collaborative spirit within the paddock. “All the competitors are involved. Everyone has a say in how the series develops, and we’re always open to feedback. The fact that teams are travelling so far just to be part of this championship says a lot.”
As the H6 Cup heads into its final three rounds, the championship picture is anything but predictable. With passionate competitors, growing fan interest, and a clear commitment to raising the bar, the series continues to gain momentum.