Keith 'Yeti' Stewart, originally hailing from the east side of the Tararua Ranges and now based in Manawatu, is set to continue his remarkable streak of consecutive entries in the Daybreaker Rally. This year, he will once again campaign his beloved MK1 Ford Escort, a car that has been with him since the early days of his motorsport journey.
Stewart's relationship with the Daybreaker Rally began in 1984, just two years after he purchased the now-iconic MK1 Escort. While he has yet to claim an overall victory, Stewart's commitment to the event is unmatched, having competed in every single Daybreaker since that inaugural run, driving a variety of cars over the years.
His best result came in 1988 when he upgraded to a yellow Mk2 Ford Escort, originally owned by Tom Mason – to finish fourth overall. Over the years, Stewart has piloted several notable cars, including the former Brian Stokes Ford Sierra XR4x4 and the Group N-winning Subaru Legacy RS, which he purchased in 1992. The Legacy, adorned with graphic footprints as a playful nod to his 'Yeti' nickname, became one of his most memorable vehicles.
"I viewed being in the rally as being like a circus—and we were the clowns there to put on a show," Stewart reflects.
One of Stewart's most cherished memories from the Daybreaker Rally came while driving the Subaru Legacy on Ridge Road. "It was a time when everything just went right. The car flowed, I flowed—it was grouse and so much fun. That's what you do it for," he recalls.
In 2008, Stewart resurrected his original MK1 Ford Escort for classic events, rekindling his connection with the car that started it all. This same Escort, now equipped with a double overhead camshaft 1600 engine and still sporting its vibrant Vermillion Fire Orange paint—the same hue as the legendary GTHO Ford Falcon. His vehicle of choice for last year's Daybreaker Rally, Stewart and his co-driver, Carol-Ann Perfect, finished 43rd overall, with a strong second-place finish in the 1600cc class.
As he gears up for the 2024 Daybreaker Rally, Stewart is determined to improve on last year's performance. His goal is clear: to take the top spot in the 1600cc class.