Blog

Series sponsors Charlie Evans and Jenny Webley also know a thing or two about this road, making their way into the top 8 splits. Another to impress is Jay Pittam’s or is it Freddie, the Subaru Impreza pushing all the way.

At the mid to other end of the field, it’s party time and the game of corners and dips is real. We’re in it for the class battles and have just as much fun as the teams at the pointy end. There’re moments, adrenaline, sideways, swears, pushing and digging deep to find more seconds in this road. Kieran Cornelius was having a great battle in his Nissan Pulsar with John Whooley/Honda Civic and Antony Te Rito/Honda Civic in class C. Russell Jenkins is driving something a little different these days in his Toyota Corolla Sprinter, setting the pace behind the DX Toyota Corolla of Mike Goldsbury in class B. The writer had a little moment over a 6L over crest, an inch or two outta the line and a good ol’ tail slapper keeping Blair Richardson honest in his Mk1 Escort. Blimmey.

Attrition got Sam Broadbent in the Evo 8 suffering mechanical troubles putting him out. Disappointing, as Sam drives at incredible pace, along with Dad Phil Broadbent, and he gives any spectator the big show. Kind of addictive watching you fellas, keep bringing the pace boys.

Run 4 and amazingly, we’re all still on the road, less 2. Everyone’s at their absolute peak to make it into the top 2 then battle for the final runoffs. It’s chocolate fish racing but saying that the competition leading into run 5 is downright fierce – all want to leave their mark. Head down, ears back and in the zone .. Phil Campbell took to pushing hard and ended his run 4 with a 3.48.851 to Quentin Palmer’s 3.48.573, the faintest of margins. The under 4 min club was growing, Carlin Leong/Subaru Impreza and Antony Te Rito/Honda Civic entering the zone in run 4. Kyle Percival continues to impress in his Escort Mk2 tracking well into run 4 and Hibiscus Coast boys Brad Hill/BMW 325i and Kieran Cornelius/Nissan Pulsar were tussling on timekeeping, 4.18 a piece.

The winners and grinners of the day though, Quentin Palmer/Skoda Fabia 3.43, Phil Campbell/Ford Fiesta 3.47 and Charlie Evans/Mazda RX7 3.52. At prizegiving, a feat had been won, Ruarangi Road had been successfully run again. Everyone was upbeat at prizegiving, many competitors and volunteers lucky enough to net an array of spot prizes handed out, compliments of Mary Roestenburg and the support of the local businesses. A very successful days racing.

Photos: Alex Stewart, Stanley B Mans

Round 4, MBoP, Matahina Forest, 1-June

Motorsport Bay of Plenty Matahina Rallysprint – from Carlin Leong

Round 4 of the Northern Rallysprint series – Matahina Forest. We watched the video provided by MBOP the week before and the main takeaway from that was that the road was going to be fast! Roll on Saturday night and my co-driver Nathan spotted a post on Facebook, Phil Campbell was looking for a last minute fill-in.

The chance of co-driving for the reigning rallysprint champ in AP4 machinery was too good to pass up, so I gave Nathan some annual leave and he signed up to co-drive both of us for the day. Dang I’m a good boss.

We usually turn up just before doco leaving us no-where in pits to park, so we thought we would change that and turn up 10min after the gates opened. The pits were full! Rally crews get up early huh. Luckily Ben Huband and crew saved us a parking spot, cheers team!

Start run 1,I was car 15 on the road behind good mate Chris Burke in the Castrol Celica, but could go to the start line as soon as Phil dropped Nathan back to the start. As soon as he got in the car Nate started telling me how good the AP4 was. Yes bro I get it you are a big time Cat 1 co-driver now. Had to tell him to zip it because the lights were about to go out. The first open section we were into 6th gear straight away. That will wake you up. Got round well, but was gutted to see Ben and Corinne’s Subaru parked up on the side of the road mid-stage. Fuel issues I think? Timesheet put us in 9th overall, inside the top 16 cut off but with work to do to make top 8.

Second run and there was a lot more grip. The first few crests should have been nearly flat but I still didn’t fully commit to the notes, but we improved enough to jump into 4th spot, making it through to the top 8. Happy days. But we couldn’t let off as there was Phil, Karl, and Jay all within 1 second of us going into the 3rd run and Top 4 elimination. Very close battle!

Run 3, went without issue, car running very well with the new clutch installed the week before. Nathan was calling notes well (as should be expected he got about 10 runs in that day) and we came in with the 3rd fastest time, due to Quentin having an unfortunate spin in the Skoda losing about 20 seconds.

That put us through to the top 4, Phil, Sam, myself and Jay. The gap to the front 2 was too large to close so we focused on the battle with Jay. It was a close-run thing but we had a good run and came out in 3rd overall, a great result for the day considering the quality of the competition.

 Phil/Nate and Sam/Matthew had a great battle in the top 2 run-off with Phil and Nate getting the win by under 2 seconds! Great drive by both. Nathan was stoked to get his first rallysprint win and was quick to point out he has won one before I have.

Overall, it was a great day rallying and a well-run event by MBOP in a new venue. Huge appreciation to all the marshals and volunteers for giving up their time so we could go racing. See you at the next one!

Carlin Leong.

Personally, I felt exhilarated at the tail end of this event. It was just a really good days racing. Codrivers were a bit spoilt too getting trophies handed out at prizegiving – I’m not inclined to disagree that us codrivers should get a trophy too, I mean we’re half the business of the racing team for the day. The trek to this event was far but it was 100% worth it. You get out to different parts of NZ you may not frequent often, you support local communities with your presence and spend, and you support your local club and its efforts, mammoth at the best of times, to run really good club motorsport rallying. Tick tick.

Photos: Photography In Motion, John Slater Replay Images

Click for Graham Kite’s VIDEO footage of the event

Round 5, TVCC, Piakonui Rd, 22-June

While the temperatures dipped on the way through the mighty Waikato to this event to -1C at times, we arrived and settled into the pits paddock at the familiar Piakonui Rd, Richmond Downs service park. This event required a large amount of people power to man areas, all being deployed as competitors started cold cars up ready for the reconnaissance run. Notes in hand, the road reprints back on the brain. Narrow, technical, unassumingly tightening corners, safety hay bales at a particular driveway and that 7R over crest stay right, at the end of the stage, whoaaarrrrr.

Run 1 was very slippery, with many struggling for grip. When one is trying to push and set a good start time, it is not ideal fighting for traction, field levelled though. It is disillusioning when you pass a fellow competitor in stage, Phil Broadbent/Toyota Starlet suffering a terminal issue and Brent Milner/Toyota Starlet suffering permanent mechanical damage on this run. The rest of the field juggling into run-time order. Jay Pittam’s/Subaru Impreza came out trumps with a 6.25, followed by Dave Strong/Fiesta 6.26 and Sam Broadbent/Evo 8, 6.33.

Trading identical stage times were George Feast/Subaru Impreza and Harvey Semmens/Escort Mk1 with a 7.00 flat, Murray Preston/Toyota Corolla and Kieran Corneluis/Nissan Pulsar with a 7.07, and David Beaver/Mazda RX7 and Clinton Davies/Evo 6 with a 7.16.

Run two, fresh treads, hmmm .. Many got into the groove and started the battle to shed off seconds. It was skittery but all felt the pinch and drove accordingly. Would fresh treads make the difference here. Sheesh, fresh treads always do the trick but you gotta be wise with their deployment. Matchy matchy stage times started emerging again, top 3 drivers at 6.19 – Ben Huband/Subaru Impreza, Dave Strong/Fiesta & Sam Broadbent/Evo 8, yee haa. Carlin Leong/Subaru Impreza and Charlie Evans/Honda Civic producing a 6.28, Russell Jenkins/Toyota Corolla and John Whooley/Honda Civic on a 6.45, Matt Priest/Toyota Corolla, Jeff Torkington/Toyota MR2, Tony Young/Datsun 1200 and George Feast/Subaru Impreza all trumped a 6.52 and Kieran Cornelius/Nissan Pulsar equaled David Beaver/Mazda RX7 7.01 time.

Ahhh it’s all coming back now, just pin your ears back and get into it, which can be similar to the game plan of any stage really. These roads we race have particular characteristics about them that make them special. They’re very adequate for a rallysprint stage and worth the time taken to drive down to race on them. They have the same barriers, big tree, shady spot, weird bumps and dips they’ve always had but those are the very things that we remember when we think of these roads. They’re the parts that are special that make up the stage. Piakonui Rd has a perfect ‘throw her in’ right hander at the start, great for the spectators and for most to watch at the service area. There’s a very tight right hander that keeps tightening in the first 1/3 of the stage that gets me every time, there’s some good decent straights where on-point notes can keep the speed up right to the very inch of the braking point. The notes mention the white railings – for a reason. There is a story about the hay bales by the resident driveway, feel free anyone to reacquaint us all with who’s corner that actually is, or does it belong to a few? It seems narrow but it actually flows pretty good. I’m slingshot straight back to traditional farm races when I’m racing right next to barberry hedges. The 7R stay right at the end is pretty exhilarating as well, a high-flying finish for an exciting stage.

The winners and grinners of Piakonui Rd 2025, Ben Huband/Subaru Impreza 6.02 and Dave Strong/Fiesta 7.04 in class E, Dave’s Fiesta suffering some sort of engine dislike in the final hurrah. Jay Pittams/Subaru Impreza 6.13 and Darren Hartley/Toyota Celica with a 7.04 in class G, Kylie Percival/Escort Mk2 doing it alone in run 5 with a 6.47 for class H. Charlie Evans/Honda Civic 6.22 vs Jeff Torkington/Toyota MR2 6.49 in class D. Class C had no takers, weird. Class B, Lukas Ramsay/Fiesta 6.30 vs Russell Jenkins/Toyota Corolla 6.36 and Tony Young/Datsun 1200 penned in a 6.48 to Blair Richardsons 7.38 in class A. Good efforts Blair, the unassuming class A cars that can still kick ass and not tire tread.

Overall, Ben Huband/Subaru Impreza, Jay Pittams/Subaru Impreza and Charlie Evans/Honda Civic wrapping up the top spots for the day. We froze our tits off at prizegiving to celebrate the honours. Worth it though to return big kudos to dream team Don and Michele Brunt and all their awesome volunteers at this stella road.

Photos: Geoff Ridder Photography

Click for Graham Kite’s VIDEO footage of the event

What’s up Next?

Round 6, July 27, the deepest of the Winter part, Hibiscus Coast Motorsport Club have their rescheduled round and they’re taking us to a new part of town. North, clearly due to regional locality, HCMC have secured an exciting new venue at Cassidy Road. The regs are LIVE so sink your teeth into this one, enter and boost the numbers into round 6 of this 7-round series.

Supp Regs – Cassidy Rd Rallysprint 27-Jul-2025.docx

The entry fee is fair, poor Neil has to produce yet another set of notes to aid us with our conquest, but we wholeheartedly take our hats off to all the people putting in the hard mahi to make the rally magic happen – thank you!

Round 7, August 17, the final showdown, Hamilton Car Clubs Hoddle Road. The word has been put out there to support the club, get an entry in ASAP so Hamilton Car Club can show their Council just how keen and serious we are to keep racing on the roads we love. Council has very valid concerns, but we have very valid reasons why we NEED to race these roads, so when a Club calls out for support, get right in behind them and do what you can to back them all the way. This road is a perfect finale to an eventful year.

Not to dampen the spirits, there is still a sadness deep inside me that won’t go away. It lingers and resurfaces every so often to remind me of how dangerous our sport is. I know the efforts we put in to make it safe, risk management is evolving, helping us to assess and identify risks. Sometimes I struggle to keep pushing ahead with might and drive knowing what has been lost, it flattens me while I try to promote this series. I know though and am reminded every time I see you all out there, how much we’re tied in and invested to our raw, adrenaline filled, Kiwiana style of Club level rally. We brighten when we see each other, a big group of die-hard fans, keeping the dream real, doing it with passion. It makes me proud as well, to be out there doing it with you. Will never forget and will always do with pride!

An Evening of Prizegiving

On a lighter note, juggle the dates around the Xmas parties’ people, Saturday 29 November is THE DATE to CELEBRATE some big prizegiving’s. The Northern Rallysprint Series is excited to combine with the team from the North Island Rally Series for another big night of spoils together at our favourite, Northern Sports Car Club in Mt Wellington. More details will come closer to the time, the date placeholder has been advised as we’d love to see you all there on the night.

In the meantime, cross pollination is real when you’re invested in rallying in any shape or form and, this weekend it’s Tarmac time at Taranaki’s Tarmac Rally. Then counting down the days to HCMC’s and HCC’s events. Tick tock, on the clock, timecard in hand.

End, Nikki Sim

The Series rules come up from time to time. It’s a brief read yes, are you proficient with the elimination process and points allocation system? A quick refresh of the Rules of the series will iron out some of the queries and equip you with what you need to know. In the past, there’d be series convenors present at most of the rounds. Wayne Sim, Don Brunt, Grant Liston, representation from three clubs. If you had a question, they’d be floating around to aid competitors with series queries that might pop up. At the end of series/year, we have meetings where club representatives dial in to cover the annual pillars of the series, a familiar competing member raised a hand and expressed interest in joining the convenors panel. Rather an honour to be on this knowledgable panel, the Northern Rally Sprint Series is proud to welcome the newest addition to the convenors team, Tony Young, South Auckland Car Club.

We’re thrilled to have another set of hands of deck and with Tony planning on giving this year’s racing a good shunt, give him a high five when you see him. Thanks Tony!

Next cab off the rank, the Drivers and Co-drivers’ Championship.

The Northern Rally Sprint Series offers a fun, friendly and competitive rally sprint environment. With a no-fee entry into the series, driver and co-driver teams are rewarded for attendance round-to-round. Series tables accrue points and tallies are tracked throughout the year. Drivers and co-drivers aspire to showcase in the championship tallies after fierce battles and hearty challenges throughout the year, chocolate fish racing at its very best.

Now, annoying as it is, drivers and co-drivers must register their inclusion to the series and to whom co-drivers will be sitting with. There is a tab for this on the website, it is quite easy. I assure you, the crystal ball becomes hazy if I have to guess who is with who. Organizers paperwork, as nightmarish as it can be, also provides transparency by means of passenger declaration forms. These are magic and allow series organizers to figure out who the heck sits with who at each round. There have been numerous online submissions made, so high praise for those who have registered so far. Auto-registration does apply for all who compete in the first three rounds but have not yet ventured to the registration page.

Long time rallying guru Charlie Evans and Jenny Webley have gotten in behind the Northern Rally Sprint Series as series sponsors and are helping drive this iconic string of events into the future of clubsport rally sprinting. Long time supporters and competitors, hats off or helmets raised high to Newstead Lodge, we’re thrilled to have you on board! Feel free to book your pets in for a vacay-stay before you intend on booking your next racing adventure.

Equally, co-drivers do not go unrecognized, and Chris Alexander of Suspension Tech is the driving force behind the co-drivers’ championship. A driver shall not bask in all the glory and sunshine alone, co-drivers form a pivotal part in the partnership, also they’re mandatory in rally sprint events. You can hold on to the under seat and go for the ride or sink your teeth into the high caliber pace notes provided by another proud rally sprint supporter Neil Alport Motorsport. I’d recommend going with the notes, with the likes of having Ruarangi Road back on the cards – an iconic and favourable rally sprint road – yo’ll wanna be flying over the crests oblivious to what’s on the other side or rising to the challenge and assuring your driver it is indeed FLAT OVER CREST.

More random banter to come, Ponganui Road is nipping at the heels. We look forward to seeing you all this weekend, please support the club and the catering and let’s get into Round One.

Nikki Sim

End.

Challenge / something that needs great mental and physical effort in order to be done successfully and therefore tests a person’s ability. The definition, in every sense, has under toned the 24′ series.

We push on as we love this crazy sport. It’s addictive and thrilling, the sights and sounds stirring adrenaline from the core and raising the hair on the back of your neck. The partnership’s, the rivalries, racing against time, all the amazing people and the harmonious groups that trek from event to event. Honestly, on behalf of anyone and everyone that makes up this awesome Northern Rally Sprint Series, thank you. You are what keeps this thing going.

There are hordes of you, in every facet of the running of these events, the competing teams, so many services and faces that make up each leg. It’s incredibly difficult to thank each of you for your part but know the contribution you make is significant.

Reclaiming a round toward the end felt rewarding. On rally soil, in a place that resets the dials. Maramaura’s allure will always draw us back, its forest tracks rich in rally history. As the healing journey continues, this time we were cleansed by the sanctuary of the forest. Its airy silence disturbed by those who challenged its path. It was an awesome day for competing teams and a big deep breath out for organizing clubs as the masses converged ready for a rip-roaring days racing.

SACC & TVCC pulled a white rabbit out of the hat, or was it a giant hare? Magic on the face of it anyway. The joint affair was well executed, blended teams seamlessly merged together and pulled off a very well-run event. Even from the very start of the planning phase, meeting with Sam and Emma Miller for a forest drive-through, it has been a pleasant process dealing with all involved and it returned many welcomed faces.

Yeah, yeah, the pits were spread out, the timing lights were a little bit different. The whole platter is delicately constructed, every little bit considered. Placements, thoroughfares, equipment, personnel. Soy pearls may not substitute for caviar, but we try our best to make it a tasty dish. The course was remarkably groomed, there were some beefy rocks that appeared in some bits which is annoying, especially if it’s in your drive line on your run but who ever gets a perfectly groomed course all day? Drive it as it is.

Timing is key, clockwork and syncing to ensure the day tracks along is critical. The timing and results team had their work cut out for them, trying to focus with RX7s pulsing beside you is absolutely an art. Always spare a thought for those who facilitate your experience, I’d dare say they’d trade places with you in a flash.

Photographs tell 1000 words and there are many photographers that support the events and the series. They scale cliffs and banks to track your movements, to bring you the money shot and entertain you post event and for months that follow with their array of images. You can just about taste the dust that Roostertails cars in their phenomenal action shots. We very much appreciate you all.

The fanfare also definitely rates highly, the spectators who cheer you on even if the cornering’s a bit dodgy. They too pop up on corners, up trees, on hills, in funny places, they just want a piece of that action too. It’s just cool how these events that are run by the clubs deliver so much.

Pin those ears back cause once you’re on a flow, this road is fun. I’ve always liked racing the forests, the course definitely looked different though with its large-scale cleared sections. Considering its a forest road, I thought it held up remarkably well. I’m not a master nor a frequent flyer, I’ve had the unfortunate experience of dodging other worse things like livestock, so a few rocks are an acceptable price to pay.

We come back and race on these surfaces. They’re familiar, they may even be frequent on the calendar but by gawd they’re fun. I haven’t had a decent blat in the forest for ages and there’s just something about the forest that lies in waiting. Made for logging trucks and rally cars they are. Be careful though or it’ll bite, fortunately no one got bitten on this event and only good times were had.

There were some blisteringly fast times notched on the board on run one, too much chomping at the bit clearly. Phil Campbell set out as the trail blazer to catch, the forest legends responding, setting respectable run times. Mike Goldsbury and Phil Broadbent posting in the top 8 fastest times on this run in their class B 1300-1600cc cars.

We’re a but gutted Rambo’s times weren’t recorded – obviously the detriment of a dual driven entry – his time spent bedding in the car, with its impressive demeanor & performance.

Most acquainted themselves well for run two, pressing ahead. The familiar feeling when it’s all going a bit right. I’m always a fan of the long ascents but what goes up must come down and the descending sections seemingly an art of nimble turns as the road cautiously snakes back down to the valley floor. Jenny Webley and Jess Jones swapped extreme for extreme, switching codriver seats for a run and getting the most out of 4WD v RWD thrills. Marc Huband had mechanical issues on this run, so too did Blair Richardson, leaving them out of the race. It was high fives seeing Carlin Leong sitting at the start line ready to go, Cheryl Leong also delighted in being able to ride one run shotgun. It’s great to see the very sharp looking Subaru back in action, it’s equally entertaining watching Carlin Leong and Nathan Roa’s YouTube feeds, seriously a must watch.

Run two top 8, Phil Campbell led the field with a 14 sec lead over closest rivals Dave Strong and Phil Brodbent putting in a solid effort. While every driver shaved back crucial seconds in this run, it only gets harder making the top 8 from the overall field. Time was in favour for the running of the day, and things were heating up mid-way through the eliminations.

Timing was on point and at just before 2pm, we were getting ready for run 3. I was getting a bit excited, as an organizer being in the dust and wind for half the day, I was starting to image the sweet taste of Red Fox ale. The sounds of the Mazdas snapped me back out of the haze. Were the Mazdas multiplying, there was more at this event than there have been in a while, David Beaver’s green RX7 a welcomed addition, Marcus Lowry the lucky co-driver recipient. Mitsubishi Evo’s were also in force and hunting for time. Sam Miller ending 4th fastest at 5:24, Kingsley Jones 3rd at 5:22, Dave Strong 2nd at 5:16 and Phil Campell still well ahead at 5:06.

Something loud was coming down the hill into the finish, enough to make you take notice. What was it, it sounded hmm, can’t put my finger on it, maybe a bit Mad Max? It was Tony Young less most of his exhaust, still dragging and rattling underbelly. Going for a wander and checking out how bad it was, I returned shortly after humming, Bob the Builder, can we fix it, yes we can, Tony quite adamant that wasnt going to stop his day.

Last run before the final run offs and Dave Strong sustained some damage in stage leaving him unable to finish. By this point the field were in full speed mode, very comfortable with the fast pace the course offered. Fresh to the course Tom Kemp-Hill was having a brilliant day’s racing, the forth run usually the run where you’d be really wishing it was your run one time. Kingsly Jones managing to scoop up 2nd fastest to round out the top two overall.

Class runoffs ensued, Class A Garry Trayes was able to have a healthy punt with Tony Young 6:13 to Tonys 5:51. The anticipation for an abled body to give Mike Goldsbury a good run for his money built high for class B, Phil Broadbent sustaining mechanical damages allowing Mike to take the win with a 5:27. Honda v Honda for class C, Anthony Te Rito v Grant Liston, 5:27 to 5:41. Class H PCC member battles Brian Best v David Beaver, 6:12 to 6:15, close. Charlie Evans was able to take out class D with a 5:25 with Leon McKnight a DNS. Phil Campbell had a good toggle with Kingsley Jones the difference 4:55 to 5:15.

It almost seemed like a new race then, to the Red Fox, we were parched. This is clearly the next best thing to forest racing, beer to wash away dust taste. It was a great turnout, the carpark was full. The best parking went to Cayleigh Young, parking on a slight hill, up a curb, with a trailer, she’ll be right, good stuff! That’s what cruisers are for.

Phil Campbell you’re a legend, Kingsley Jones almost had ya ..

Prizegiving

7th December from 5:30pm

Northern Sports Car Club, Mt Richmond Domain, Mt Wellington

Run in conjunction with the North Island Rally Series

Join us for another evening of prizegiving and entertainment with food trucks, socializing and silverware.

We are currently taking expressions of interest to sponsor the Northern Rallysprint into 2025. With primary sponsor CPS Chris Woundenberg having sold the business, we are looking to secure an event partner to support the series into the future.

Please get in touch with Nsim@xtra.co.nz 021 191 0660 for expressions of interest and to obtain further information.

Partners

The Northern Rallysprint Series round 4 was held Sunday 23rd June at Stanley Road, Whakatane but cut short after torrential downpours and wet conditions hampered efforts on the day.

Motorsport Bay of Plenty club organizers pushed ahead in favour of delivering the event to the competitors but after an incident/off on the first run and timing issues, paired with persistent rain worsening, reluctantly, organizers were forced to cancel the event. Although expressions of frustration were had at the cancellation, realizations were clear that every effort was made on the day to make the event happen.

Jackets, raincoats and gumboots were on. The water over the stage ford was a test for the brave and a spectacular sight for event photographers. Thank you Motorsport Bay of Plenty for persevering with the event despite the challenging conditions. Such a good road, it seems a shame not to be able to get a full days runs in for competitors.

Thoughts are with Carlin and Nathan after their incident. Carlins social media progress reports show every ounce of determination the young aspiring competitor has to get back on the road. It also gives procrastinators a kick up the pants for projects that are on the list to do but not yet done. Go well Carlin, you’re inspiring us all!

Inmotion Photography & Brian Young

Looking at ford splash levels, not sure which tactic is better, fast or slow, as seen above. I heard about the little red submarine but hadn’t seen the pic, now I know what they were talking about. Brian, we almost lost you in the water there mate.

The series moves onto Round #5, Hoddle Road which is scheduled for August 18th. Event regulations have been published and are online and available. Get in early so Hamilton Car Club can track entry numbers, it’s the golden number event organizers need to see leading into these events.

Recently, communications went out to advise of a change in the series points. Round 1, Arcadia Road points were retracted due to the event being abandoned following the tragic accident. No official results were made available on the day and as such, no points can be awarded. Although not a sanctioned series, the Northern Rallysprint Series organizers align to the MSNZ rules as listed in the NSC and without official results, I’m afraid our hands are tied. No, it’s not ideal and it’s not taken lightly, so apologies folks, we do try to deliver a seamless structure in the annual series.

The Series rules have points that cover and include scenarios;

Northern Rallysprint Series Rule 15. states ‘If the event is to be shortened for other reasons, prior to any runs, or competition such as bad weather, road deterioration etc, the organizers must inform competitors of the decision prior to the next run’. 

The decision to retract round 1 points was reviewed and reached by series convenors. We understand the outcome may not be favourable for all, and we appreciate all feedback submitted.

Northern Rallysprint Series Rule 16. states ‘If there are 5 or more rounds in the series, the registered competitors must drop 1 round’s score in the series for class and overall points‘.

As Thames Valley Car Club were not able to run the scheduled round 3 Piakonui Road, round 1 being abandoned and round 4 cancelled, it has resulted in only 2 rounds counting towards series points. Dilemma – not ideal at all.

Series organizers are enquiring into running a further round after Hamilton Car Club’s August Hoddle Road. A social media post was sent out to competitors asking if this could be what you’re after? There was some positivity, Dale James said’ would be awesome to get another round’, Bryn Jones said ‘if you can get another round in around NZRC events, I’m keen’. A glimmer is all I need to get onto fleshing out another round.

The calendar is pretty tight though and the 29-Sept is the selected tentative date. Apologies Geoff Batt, he’s a bit dark as that date messes with the holiday schedule, sorry!

Crunching numbers, she’s a bit tight. Further communications will go out to the competitor base – a proposed event would only go-ahead pending series members confirming entries. It’s a busy time of the rally calendar and this date is a one-time only offer.

Thank you to series sponsors CPS, Suspension Tech and Neil Allport for their support of the series.

Also to competing teams attending all rounds, clubs, and all volunteers who give up their time to make these events possible.

Our heartfelt thoughts remain with the families from the Arcadia Road accident as we continue with the final event/s of the 24′ series. *Forever and always*

The Northern Rallysprint Series sponsored by CPS and Suspension Tech, formerly known as the ABC Pipefitters Northern Rallysprint Series, the Clubsport News, Fortron and Woolf Mufflers series, is in its 38th year running.

Local clubs form the backbone of the series and supporters, competitor and spectator attendance, help drive its success. The series nets a wide of range of competitors, it facilitates shake downs prior to bigger events, local and wide club competitor entries, and for many, is our rally event/s for the year, including other events dotted in.

You can’t ignore the harsh economic sting though, it isn’t getting any cheaper to run events. Event entry fees have been fairly stable, small increases year-to-year, club-to-club. The cap has been roughly $300 for an entry, to cover costs, and to leave a bit of sliced ham in the bank account. That’s the aim, that’s the goal.

The 24′ series prizegiving is locked and loaded for Saturday 30-Nov, to be run with the North Island Rally Series prizegiving and held at the Northern Sports Car Clubrooms. It was a pretty good event and roundup last year and the venue fits a car up front as the center piece. You can’t find too many venues where the series winner can park their car proudly at the front of the room.. We’re looking forward to doing something similar again this year.

South Auckland Car Club drew the round 3 series drawcard & were able to facilitate an excellent day’s racing. Autumn sunshine blazed & screams of unleashed horsepower were in the air, rolling across the hills.

The course direction had shifted from previous hillclimbs, it incorporated elements of the WRC stage, it had crests & humps, bends & turns, machinery (can look at impressive machinery after run), the course kept you on your toes. I don’t know how all drivers feel about crests & humps, but spectators join me in saying ‘hell yeah’!

Mark Tapper not shy to give her a kick when lining up one of a couple of decent crests the course had to offer.

Run 1 seems to blow out cobwebs & test the underfoot. With 52 entrants, it’s a chance to pave out the driving lines & start the days push. For a shorter course of 4.9kms, dramas started early with Chris Subritzky having issues in his BWM 130i, close to marshal point 1, understeering into a ditch & receiving unnecessary panel beating to the underbody resulting in an early exit. Adrian Sutton also experiencing a gearbox issue in the Nissan Pulsar that sounded & felt ‘not good/expensive’. Unfortunate for Steven Dill who was next up for dual driving duties, hard luck guys.

Phil Campbell maintained his masterclass driving style with a 3.40 fastest time in his Ford Fiesta, followed closely by Hayden Mackenzie in the Toyota Yaris 3.42.19 & Todd Bawden in the Ford Fiesta R5 3.42.69.

Class H, 2WD classic, & class G, 4WD classic, were out in force strengthening the class battles. Bryn & Anthony Jones were dual driving the Mk2 Escort in class D, Ray Chubb was giving it a good go in the immaculate BMW 135i, not too far behind the Jones’s & Mazdaman Charlie Evans in the RX7. Honda powered John Whooley settled on a fair 4.12 time in class C, leaving next in line Glen Farrier with some work to do. Team Toyota, Phil & Sam Broadbent were carving out tracks & doing the dance, Simon Rabbidge keeping pace in the Suzuki Swift.

Has Tony Young driven this course before? 1300cc untethered Datsun 1200 power ripped around the course in a 4.14, Garry Trayes & Adam Wilson in Toyota Starlets getting in the groove ready to reset for run 2.

Quentin Palmer/Mitsubishi Evo 5 pushed back for a 3rd overall in run 2 while front-runner Phil Campbell held the line 7 seconds in front of rival Todd Bawden. Rick Aubin also charged in his Mitsubishi Evo 8 making the top 8 eliminations behind Hayden Mackenzie, Mark Tapper, Dave Strong & Ben Hubband. Great to see Jeremy Dawson out racing again dual driving with good mate Jimmy Dunlop in the Subaru Impreza, what are mates for eh to share their car & the good times – awesome guys!

Run 2 then had a cruel twist, issue with car 39 rolled, Andrew Keighley testing the ballast levels & unfortunately rolling the Mk 2 Escort in stage. A check everyone’s ok & straight back into it. A short time later, de je vu – Simon Rabbidge also having a big moment in his Suzuki Swift with a roll. Dismissing some vital equipment, the sump guard embedded in the clay bank, at least the pieces were locatable with a frustrating exit off stage.

Many cars will catch your attention, none more though than Steve Cox’s Audi Quattro beaming. Its agility & power is impressive & we watch you dance & weave. Not only can we catch your antics at start, finish & some of the spectator points, but friends of Steve’s have created a beaut YouTube compilation allowing us the in-stage experience. Check it out, it’s one of a few good YouTube clips showcasing the day ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BN0iOTQbgE

1.30pm run 3 started solid, Mark Tapper & Dave Strong just ending up falling short & locked out of the top 4 eliminations. In class battles, Brian Best was playing a favourite game in class H called chase & tag Craig Tickle, just able to pin the tail on the donkey. Class G, Bevan Wilson/Subaru Impreza just inside the 3 min club 3.58 ahead of Shaun Wade & Ben Brown in Mitsubishis.

Charlie Evans wouldn’t give it to Bryn Jones easily, with Jonesy just a whisker back, mere seconds separating the trio. Class C maintained its leader with John Whooley charging still, Bruce James/MR2 & Glen Farrier/Mk2 chasing hard. Class B, there were 3 after Phil Broadbent has some issues & had to forfeit the run , Sam Broadbent happily waived the baton & charged to a finish of 4.12 in front of Rodney James/MR2 & Jeff Hill/Toyota Corolla. Tony Young still having fun in class A battles ahead of Garry Trayes & Adam Wilson, who got stuck in some rally traffic after Simon Rabbidge’s roll earlier on.

Now let me enjoy some air …

Shaken & stirred with just a little hang time, my ideal recipe. Commitment stations, spectators balancing phones for the best snap or videos. Big ups teams, you delivered, we liked. Yes, yes.

Timing wise, we were tracking well at just after 3pm. Timing control & results volunteers were fueled by home baking, sugar right into the veins to keep up with data entry, as drivers were running on adrenaline to see the push intensify into the 4th run. Phil Campbell clocked in a 3.31, Hayden Mackenzie now clearly reacquainted with the car but out by 100ths/second for top 2 placings losing out to Todd Bawden 3.34.35 to 3.34.61.

Flip it round, we think Tony Young has done this rodeo before topping class A with a 4.06. Sam Broadbent was 1 sec back to lead the class B team in front of Rodney James. The gap had closed in class D, Bruce James chasing down John Whooley, 4.07 to 4.10 to John, nicely played. Bryn Jones and Charles Evans were still dancing the salsa, all fiery like, Jonesy kept up an impressive pace, but just out of the top 2 in class. There were a whole bunch of class E competitors that had ended the run impressively & within the 3 min group. Rick Aubin & Carlin Leong keep doing what you are doing, you guys have been having awesome run-to-run and event-to-event progress!

Run 5 goes as fast the cold beers waiting at prizegiving. It is necessary & usually painless for those chasing top class times. Phil Campbell setting a finish time of 3.30 for the class E chargers & overall field leader, congratulations! Class H, Adrian Smith with a hundredth of a sec win over David Ayling. Class G saw only Shaun Wade run to take out the win. Class D the lads were still at it, 3.50 to 3.51 to Bryn, congratulations Bryn.

Bruce James took them brave pills & gave it all he had finishing on a 4.06 to John Whooley with a 4.07, right down to the wire! Class B, when your opponent isn’t able to race, then buckle up son & give it another elbow, happy to race another race. Garry Trayes happy to joust a final run with the Datsun, happy with anther days racing.

Where better to have prizegiving than in the heart of the Force Motorsport workshop, dotted with current projects, the familiar smell of hard work & elbow grease. The workshop itself dwarfed by dominant heavy machinery spread around the place. Prizegiving’s engaged by both event organizers. Dishing out the rally sprint winners’ placings first, then the North Island Rally Series, who had used Jacks Ridge as their round 1 to kick off the series. It’s great we can have these awesome series battles in action giving competitors all the very best of rally sprint & rally action.

Next rounds

MBOP Stanley Road, Whakatane 23-June

HCC Hoddle Road, Otrongohanga 18-Aug

Event organizer’s welcoming competitors to the Bay’s hospitality.

TVCC has had to forfeit 9-Jun to hopefully a date later in year. Piakonui Rd is very much a part of the series & we’re hoping to see them make the 24′ calendar.

Buckle up & enjoy the 24′ series as we track ahead. The points tables will be available soon.

Come see all your favourite competitors do battle again at the next round!

Powered by

CPS

Suspension Tech

Please continue the support where and how you can. Together we are strong.

https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/honouring-tyson-zane-jemmett.

---

This running of Bothwell Loop was going to be the ice breaker, no which way about it.

Everyone was keen to get into it and the entry numbers even surprised the organizers.

It still had that feeling about it though, a strange emptiness, an anxiety, almost an awkwardness to fully fledge into the day.

Homemade baking scented the air, a bit spoilt really. Dare I say flat whites and mochas for those able to get past the morning butterflies. Big tick from me the writer and I wasn’t even competing.

The organizers were a bit nervous, wanting every duck lined up right. The volunteers held the focus, and a lot of thought went into making sure each person was ok to be there helping out on the day. The drivers briefing was held, the humble crowd listened and right before we departed for the day, we stopped and had a moment of silence to remember our friends. A respectful moment for them and helping us all take a step forward.

41 competitors started the day. The road was being run in reverse direction, starting at the northern end on the flat and ending up on the hilltops, around 7.5kms of limestone gravel. Running the stage from north to south changes the dynamic of the road a fair bit. In-car footage post event shows the road in its flowing state with very narrow sections, every part demanding from start right to finish. Fasten your seatbelts and listen to those pace notes!

Mechanical dilemmas struck early for some, Ray Chubb experiencing coil issues in the recce run in his BMW 135i and Hamil Pala breaking a front axle in his Mitsubishi Evo 9 a few hundred meters off the start line, forcing the team to spectate for some time.  It allowed an insight into others driving styles, Brad Hill unofficially awarded most radical driving style. 1min & 39 seconds separated the entire field on the first run, not much in it really.

Front runners Mike Young, Phil Campbell, Zeal Jones and Jack Hawkeswood set impressive opening run times. Zeal Jones recording the fastest first run time in his Skoda Fabia with a 6:03. Rallysprint eliminations dictate the top 16 on the first run and part of that bunch was Mike Goldsbury, Lukas Ramsay, Russell Jenkins and Phil Broadbent in their class B 1301cc – 1600cc cars, Stumpy Holmes and Grant Liston in their class C 1601cc – 2000cc cars and Bryn Jones and Ian Wood in their class D 2001cc and over cars. Not all class E 4WDs make up the top 16.

Unlike a hill climb, it’s balls out on the first run to make eliminations, the challenge is on from the get go. Tony Young had daughter Cayleigh giving co-driving her first go. Ending up position 19 on run one, I am not surprised she felt a little green, needing to pass the baton on a little later in the day. Sickness added to afternoon changes to teams. Highly recommended is those sticky behind the ear antinausea patches or Nausicalm tablets. They work an absolute treat, from mild to moderate motion sickness. Patches or pills and a Red Bull at lunch time, yee-hah, bring on the sideways.

With healthy numbers throughout classes B, C, D and E, classes A, G and H were guaranteed podium class positions regardless of how the day was to go, but push they did and had a good time doing so. Brian Best and Craig Tickle tussling away in class H with good battles throughout the day, shortening the gap on the final run to a mere 10 seconds.

Unfortunately, bad luck was to strike again for Rodney James in the MR2, dual driving with Bruce James, a broken brake line would have them withdraw at the end of run 1. Colin Goodwin in the Subaru Impreza also ended his run 1 with overheating issues needing to be towed out of stage.

Garry Trayes, in class A, was acquainting himself with Bothwell Loop having never been to the Waikato stage before. Tony Young, the only other class A competitor wasn’t letting the uphill geography slow him down, pedal to the metal and taking a healthy lead into run 2.

Rob Sutherlands Opel Mantra was sitting midfield in run 2. At position 17 in run 1, this car clearly has the boogie to keep up with the pack, a car as impressive as the trailer it arrives in. Another car, striking in the Waikato countryside, is the Nissan Skyline of Kaden Wood, keeping in tow with consistent times throughout the day.

Top 8, run 2, ended with Mike Young, Phil Campbell, Zeal Jones, Jack Hawkeswood, Carlin Leong, Derek Payne, Mike Goldsbury and Gavin Feast. The top three placings sitting on 5:51.47, 5:51.72, 5:51.92 respectively.

Ian Wood in his Totoya Corolla had issues and Cam McKay in the Toyota Starlet had a moment, resting against a wire fence ending in a precarious spot. A tow was required. Jeff Torkington also stopping in stage.

Run 3, top 4, this run wasn’t without further withdrawals. Jack Hawkeswood exiting with a broken axle, Bryn Jones had a brush with a bank parting way with his bumper and damaging his intercooler, Rick Aubin sustaining a flat tyre, then rim and braking issues and Dave Strong coming to a halt after point 1 with issues.  

Stumpy Holmes was entertaining sponsors as co-drivers and Sam Broadbent was driving the absolute pants off his Toyota Corolla again. Mazda man Charlie Evans was a second off Mike Goldsbury and Carlin Leong ended in 4^th fastest at 5:49 in his Subaru Impreza.

Down to 29 starters later in the day, run 4 kicked off at around 3pm. Morning showers dried into pleasant afternoon autumn weather as the class battles played out.

Mike Young and Phil Campbell were neck and neck all day, now top two, with Mike just taking the win at 5:36. Charlie Evans and Ian Wood were trading seconds in class D, similarly in class C with Grant Liston and Kaden Wood. John Whooley and Stumpy Holmes would have been likely contenders if they were still going.

As thin as piece of paper was the gap between Mike Goldsbury and Sam Broadbent in class B, I’d dare say no spare tyre in either car removing unnecessary weight, and Sam had removed a bumper somewhere along the way in the day, another unnecessary fixture. Sam took out fastest class time in this run with a 6:03 vs a 6:04.

Chris Burke was the sole occupant of class G for the day and Craig Tickle and Brian Best were keeping up with the round-to-round friendly rivalry in class H, joined by Andy Bowie, Craig Tickle taking out the win with a 6:25. Back up the field in class A, Tony Young had swapped over a co-driver, (not sure if it was this run or run 3) his current co-driver was a little miffed when the scandie flick didn’t go accordingly to plan at the intersection, lurching them off to the right. In usual Tony fashion, it didn’t slow him down, finishing this run with 6:30, Garry Trayes enjoying the day and road and happy with his efforts.

It’s always a good day when all runs can complete with no major time delays or tow or retrievals cutting into running time, and you can move straight to the final run-off for the day, for top 2 in each class. The winners were sighted in the service park and sent back to the start line. Having online results is also very beneficial as people can track their progress throughout the day helping them make those ever-important decisions like when to bolt on fresh treads.

From top to bottom, class A Tony Young 6:25 and Garry Trayes 6:57.

Class B, a readjustment of final order, Mike Goldsbury 5:58 and Sam Broadbent 6:04, awesome drive Sam!

Class C had a handshake and decided to call it a day without a final run-off.

In Class D, Charlie Evans 5:57 and Ian Wood 6:01.

Class E, Mike Young 5:34 and Phil Campbell 5:35.

Class G, Chris Burke didn’t need to run-off against himself.

Class H, Craig Tickle 6:22 and Brian Best 6:32.

Overall, Mike Young 5:34, Phil Campbell 5:35, Mike Goldsbury 5:58.

 With targa on in the vicinity of the region, some had braved an exit only to be turned around and unsure which way to go home. For those that stayed, it was a welcome gathering at the local hall with an array of delicious food still available to top up energy levels. We thank the local farm owner for the use of his paddock for pits and of course the local community for their support in allowing us to use Bothwell Loop again for another year. It makes a huge difference having community support and massive effort goes in from the local club to engage with as many locals as possible.

Trophies were lined up, refreshments were served, banter was rife. It was nice. Chris Kitzen hit a new PB producing results for review some 3 mins after the last car finished for the day. We still have to wait 30mins past posting results for them to be final. Prizegiving kicked off, the winners and grinners for the day came up to collect their spoils. It was a good day’s racing with all your favourite driver and co-driver teams.

Another good day at Bothwell Loop in the mighty Waikato.

A big thank you to photographers Noah Hutchinson and Alex Stewart for action shots.

Recap – Round 6, Kaharoa/Penny Road Rally Sprint 19-Nov-23

Although numbers were light, call upon the people and they will come. MBOP had a 90° turn into Penny Road that had drivers turn #BOSSmode, giving spectators a well-deserved show. Someone clearly forgot to turn the sky tap off as it was dousing down leaving competitors with rather wet conditions to deal with.

In light of the precipitation, Phil Campbell rolled out another masterclass of driving in his Ford Fiesta AP4, a weapon of speed and agility baiting all for a good battle.

The morning started off slightly wet, and although hopeful for the skies to clear, it stayed on and off wet most of the day. Smaller fields do mean a quick turnaround and full runs on offer for the day, despite the weather.

Run 1 proved a good warm up with two drivers recording under the 5 minute mark, Phil Campbell 4.37 and Jay Pittams 4.55, James West not too far off. Disappointingly, Chris Alexander had some car issues 3km into the first run, meaning his day was cut short.

Second run, the road was a bit dryer, and it seemed the rain might clear up with drivers getting more used to the road. Little did they know, it was about to rain heavier and the road to get more slippy. Phil Campbell was untouchable by the third run with his local knowledge and AP4 proving he can almost go as fast on the wet as the dry, almost equaling his personal record on the road with a 4.24.47.

Fourth run was again a bit slippy but the drivers seemed to have gotten comfortable with their tyres and grip. Most drivers managing to get faster and faster as the day went on with 5 drivers cracking the 5 minute mark. Lukas Ramsay proving, he has found some pace in his Fiesta well below the 5 minutes in the third and fourth run to finish 4th overall.

Final placings were almost already decided before the runoffs and a few cars decided to put on a show at the spectator junction, giving everyone a splash or a laugh. Phil Campbell finished the day by beating his own personal record, which was done in the wet, on rally tyres with a 4.23.62. Second was Jay Pittams with a 4.43.83 and rounding up the top 3 was James West with a 4.48.88.

A few mechanicals but surprisingly no major offs. A few whoopsies – some on purpose, others not. Overall, a well-run event despite the weather gods not playing ball, it meant for a good spectating day.

Driver-codriver synchronization of racecar, balancing skill to conditions to achieve a result worthy, no matter the conditions.

Impressive times were set on the day, at just over 8kms in length, the tarmac masters danced the dance and wiggled into the groove, to shave back round times and cap off the series only tarmac round.

Kudos to all competitors and organizers for this round, and every round that made up the 23′ series. It’s a well followed series, one now 35+ years in the making.

23′ Series Prizegiving

The Northern Sports Car Club, situated in Mt Richmond Domain Mt Wellington, housed a special evening on 25-Nov. A joint event, the Northern Rally Sprint Series teamed up with the North Island Rally Series for an evening of prizegiving, awards, food and banter.

Most competitors were involved with one or both series, so an evening to celebrate both series panned out. The evening was split, and commemorations were in order for all award recipients. Glassware was clinking and trophy ware was being dished out. The challenge seemingly, was for the stage teams to try pass over trophies to the right people as 1st, 2nd & 3rd placings were coming up to celebrate together. NIRS then calling up codrivers with drivers, it was a very busy stage area.

Trophy winners navigated down the invisible runway to the rear of the room for professional group photos by NIRS series photographer Geoff Ridder.

Series sponsors, Chris Woudenberg & Chris Alexander, handed out driver and codriver championship trophies. Series convenors, Grant Liston and Don Brunt, handed out series special trophies.

Speakers entertained, Bob Mitchell, Marty Roestenberg, Neil Allport and Kingsley Jones providing great banter for the evening. Trophies decorated tables, Phil Campbells car stood proud in the room right in the middle of the action and all in all, it was a very enjoyable evening.

2023 Award Winners – Drivers

2023 Award Winners – Co-drivers

2023 Award Winners – Special Trophies

24′ Series Calendar

Clubs have committed and there is another 6-round-series in store for 24′.

New roads/venues are desirable to add variation to the series, clubs trying to seek out new roads where possible. SACC were scheduled to run first, however have requested to be pushed out later in the year – so first up is HCMC with Arcadia Road.

*Roads/dates are subject to change.

Clubs are aiming to deliver high for your rally sprint action.

Drivers and codrivers, please click on the link below to register for the series

Series Registration

The Otorohanga region painted the palate on race day with overcast and wet conditions making for an interesting approach to Hoddle Road. The pits parking in the fields was potentially the first big hurdle of the day, and turned into a mere introduction of what was in store.

It was a gumboots kinda day with mushy conditions that posed no troubles for some but most took an optimistic approach to test the waters on what was to be a very damp, muddy start to the day. Usually fast and furious, Hoddle Road dialed it down a notch where drivers had to hone in on keeping it tidy and getting into the groove.

The rallysprint series lackies achieved their daily step counts after a walk round the vast pits area dishing out sponsor stickers. Very challenging getting door banner stickers to stick on wet door panels. Geoff Ridder did give us the heads up that despite our best efforts, these stickers may not be recognizable post run one when cars etch on the first coat of race mud. Right he was.

The paddock pits hill started working its magic, testing cars traction upon exit. Most chuckled at peoples attempts to get up a very slight incline – until it was their turn. A sturdy tractor parked itself strategically to help aid the multiple stragglers getting caught out. Cudos to those pitting roadside, or even better if you got in on the smaller gravel car park area.

Run two, would this be the money run, all or nothing on a deteriorating road surface. Most made a good dent in their run times, a trio of same minute battlers stood out – Lukas Ramsay, Brooklyn Horan and Jordan Grant, all giving it a good push with an equal finish time of 6.20. Charlie Evans notched into the top eight, finishing with a run time of 6.11 and Todd Bawden, who lost time in stage on run one missing out on a top 16 placing, put in a fierce charge back in run two seeing him finish with an impressive 5:57 stage time. Eliminations are tough, when you have to push to the limit right from the get-go to keep within the clutches of cut offs, its full noise run to run.

All made the most of the trying conditions, even the local farmers and their dogs stopping for a gander. Were they watching the cars or keeping tabs on the state of the road, ahh it’s soupy anyway, what’s a couple a hundred extra churns through the corners.

Most say no to the mucky conditions, good drivers just drive it, rain, sun or hail. Atrocious conditions aside, spare a thought to the organizer’s playing Russian roulette running these events when old friend mother nature time again tests the core resilience of the club’s ability to commit to race day.

Run three was definitely time to do the business. It seemed 50/50 on another run, the ruts were really digging in but the charging continued strong. Forever envious of those getting a good washdown between runs, there was no escaping the muddy warpaint for most. Focus though was on keeping it straight and keeping it tidy, easier said than done.

Kingsley Jones was ready for a good nudge, trailing just behind Dylan Turners Audi AP4 on this run, just one second down. The results said he was in an Evo but the nakedness of the unwrapped Skoda was a stark contrast to the lush green backdrops. Chris Subritzsky was winning on the diagnosis issues, enough to see him join back in the race to give it a good push but when one rejoins, one taps out, Lukas Ramsay ending this run with a dnf. Disappointing as it’s always good seeing Lukas out there charging, just as entertaining when it’s out in Dad’s car.

For most, just keeping in the tracks and finishing with a good clean run was enough to keep the dream alive. A downpour during this run would leave many questioning if run four would be. All long for a dryer Hoddle to unleash the potential this road harnesses, realistically we’ll have to wait another year to make the famous comeback tour.

To go forward, first you have to go backwards, the mysterious philosophy heading into run four. Not applicable to all, Shaun Wade and Bryn Jones were a small splattering of drivers who actually got faster on this final run. Time ticked onto the run times, hats off though teams, you got your full winter experience rally drive and challenging for all, it resets the field with all in the same slippy slidy boat.

Raana led the field all day, his impressive attacking style saw him stay under the 6 min mark on all runs. Haydn Mackenzie did not start this run, neither did rallying stalwart Grant Liston, or Barry Gibbs amongst others. Nick Marshall definitely got filthiest car of the day by the look of the post-match pics, if only there was a wash world voucher up for grabs at prize giving.

JP Van Der Meys was tipping it in hoping for a smooth final run, just a tad too much losing the rear 300m from the start line, hitting a bank and resting in a slightly upside-down position. Andrew Keighley joined the class H competitors in his Ford Escort, and class G competitors all finished with a class podium.

Phil Campbell has put in a good solid five rounds this year to retain the series lead as we draw closer to the 23′ series end.

While all drivers are out there making lemonade enjoying the spoils in rallysprint land, there is one final round which could prove to be just the fizz, a game changer, to sum up another bumper year. Motorsport Bay of Plenty’s Kaharoa/Penny Road on Sunday 19th November is a tarmac round… now before you throw your arms up and demand for gravel, variation can be key to blurring photographic minds, unfamiliar territories ensure an even playing field leading into the final push. This round will be worth the trip, a targa-esque type feel but on steroids, when rally teams come out to play once more, it will be for final standings for the year.

A mere one week later, the series prizegiving will be held at the Northern Sports Car Club in Mt Wellington. Dial the trophy engravers on turbo, there’s not much time in between the final run to splashing the champagne. The evening, being run in conjunction with the North Island Rally Series prizegiving, will bring food vendors, key speakers, trophies and a good yarn. Please add Saturday 25th November to your calendars as we’d love to see you there.