Rally Champions
The New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC) is New Zealand’s Leading rallying championship. A multi-event national championship has been held each year since 1975. Today the championship is held for a variety of classes based on engine capacity and further split by four or two wheel drive. The top class for a number of years has been the CAT1 class, featuring R5, NR4, and AP4 cars.
The New Zealand Rally Championship has been a launching pad for the career of many New Zealand drivers. Rod Millen and Possum Bourne being the most notable. Recently Hayden Paddon has used the series as a springboard to international competition, competing in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship before moving on to the Production, Super 2000 World Rally Championship, and World Rally Championships.
The championship was formed around the then newly created Rally New Zealand when it joined the World Rally Championship in 1973. Since then Rally New Zealand has frequently been the starring event of the NZRC and the event is current based in Auckland. The International Rally of Whangarei and International Rally of Otago are also rounds of the NZRC as well as being rounds of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship.
Gold Star Rally Champions
Gold Star Rally Champions – Drivers
| Season | Recipient | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Hayden Paddon | Hyundai i20 Rally2 |
| 2022 | Hayden Paddon | Hyundai i20 AP4 |
| 2021 | Hayden Paddon | Hyundai i20 AP4 |
| 2020 | Not contested | (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Ben Hunt | Subaru Impreza WRX STI |
| 2018 | Hayden Paddon | Hyundai i20 AP4 |
| 2017 | Andrew Hawkeswood | Mazda 2 AP4+ |
| 2016 | David Holder | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo |
| 2015 | Ben Hunt | Subaru Impreza |
| 2014 | Richard Mason | Subaru Impreza WRX |
| 2013 | Hayden Paddon | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 |
| 2012 | Richard Mason | Subaru Impreza WRX |
| 2011 | Richard Mason | Subaru Impreza WRX |
| 2010 | Dean Sumner | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 |
| 2009 | Hayden Paddon | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 |
| 2008 | Hayden Paddon | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 |
| 2007 | Sam Murray | Subaru Impreza |
| 2006 | Richard Mason | Subaru Impreza |
| 2005 | Richard Mason | Subaru Impreza WRX |
| 2004 | Chris West | Subaru Impreza WRX |
| 2003 | Bruce Herbert | Subaru Impreza |
| 2002 | Bruce Herbert | Subaru Impreza |
| 2001 | Bruce Herbert | Subaru Impreza |
| 2000 | Bruce Herbert | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6 |
| 1999 | Geof Argyle | Mitsubishi Lancer |
| 1998 | Geof Argyle | Mitsubishi Lancer |
| 1997 | Reece Jones | Mitsubishi Lancer |
| 1996 | Joe McAndrew | Subaru Legacy |
| 1995 | Reece Jones | Mitsubishi Lancer |
| 1994 | Joe McAndrew | Subaru Legacy |
| 1993 | Joe McAndrew | Subaru Legacy |
| 1992 | Neil Allport | Mazda 323 4WD |
| 1991 | Peter 'Possum' Bourne | Subaru Legacy |
| 1990 | David Ayling | Mazda 323 4WD |
| 1989 | Neil Allport | Mazda 323 4WD |
| 1988 | Brian Stokes | Ford Sierra 4x4 |
| 1987 | Tony Teesdale | MG Metro 6R4 |
| 1986 | Neil Allport | Mazda RX7 |
| 1985 | Brian Stokes | Ford Escort RS |
| 1984 | Brian Stokes | Nissan 240RS |
| 1983 | Malcolm Stewart | Ford Escort RS1800 |
| 1982 | Tony Teesdale | Ford Escort RS1800 |
| 1981 | Jim Donald | Ford Escort RS1800 |
| 1980 | Jim Donald | Ford Escort RS1800 |
| 1979 | Paul Adams | Ford Escort RS1800 |
| 1978 | Blair Robson | Ford Escort RS1800 |
| 1977 | Rod Millen | Mazda RX3 |
Gold Star Rally Champions – Co-Drivers
| Season | Recipient | Driver |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | John Kennard | Hayden Paddon |
| 2022 | John Kennard | Hayden Paddon |
| 2021 | John Kennard | Hayden Paddon |
| 2020 | Not contested | (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Tony Rawstorn | Ben Hunt |
| 2018 | Tony Rawstorn | Hayden Paddon |
| 2017 | Jeff Cress | Andrew Hawkeswood |
| 2016 | Jason Farmer | David Holder |
| 2015 | Tony Rawstorn | Ben Hunt |
| 2014 | Sara Mason | Richard Mason |
| 2013 | John Kennard | Hayden Paddon |
| 2012 | Sara Mason | Richard Mason |
| 2011 | Sara Mason | Richard Mason |
| 2010 | Paul Fallon | Dean Sumner |
| 2009 | John Kennard | Hayden Paddon |
| 2008 | John Kennard | Hayden Paddon |
| 2007 | Rob Ryan | Sam Murray |
| 2006 | Sara Randall | Richard Mason |
| 2005 | Garry Cowan | Richard Mason |
| 2004 | Garry Cowan | Chris West |
| 2003 | Rob Ryan | Bruce Herbert |
| 2002 | Rob Ryan | Bruce Herbert |
| 2001 | Rob Ryan | Bruce Herbert |
| 2000 | Rob Ryan | Bruce Herbert |
| 1999 | Rob Ryan | Geof Argyle |
| 1998 | Alan Glen | Geof Argyle |
| 1997 | Leo Bult | Reece Jones |
| 1996 | Robert Haldane | Joe McAndrew |
| 1995 | Leo Bult | Reece Jones |
| 1994 | Robert Haldane | Joe McAndrew |
| 1993 | Robert Haldane | Joe McAndrew |
| 1992 | Jim Robb | Neil Allport |
| 1991 | Rodger Freeth | Peter 'Possum' Bourne |
| 1990 | Robert Haldane | David Ayling |
| 1989 | Robert Haldane | Neil Allport |
| 1988 | Robert Haldane | Brian Stokes |
| 1987 | Greg Horne | Tony Teesdale |
Category 1 (4WD) Champions
4WD Drivers Champions
| Season | Recipient | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Hayden Paddon | Hyundai i20 R5 |
| 2022 | Hayden Paddon | Hyundai i20 AP4 |
| 2021 | Hayden Paddon | Hyundai i20 AP4 |
| 2020 | Not contested | (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Ben Hunt | Subaru Impreza WRX STI |
| 2018 | Hayden Paddon | Hyundai i20 AP4 |
| 2017 | Andrew Hawkeswood | Mazda 2 AP4+ |
| 2016 | David Holder | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo |
| 2015 | Ben Hunt | Subaru Impreza |
| 2014 | Richard Mason | Subaru Impreza WRX |
| 2013 | Hayden Paddon | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 |
| 2012 | Richard Mason | Subaru Impreza WRX |
| 2011 | Richard Mason | Subaru Impreza WRX |
| 2010 | Dean Sumner | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 |
| 2009 | Hayden Paddon | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 |
| 2008 | Hayden Paddon | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 |
| 2007 | Sam Murray | Subaru Impreza |
4WD Co-Drivers Champions
| Season | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023 | John Kennard |
| 2022 | John Kennard |
| 2021 | John Kennard |
| 2020 | Not contested |
| 2019 | Tony Rawstorn |
| 2018 | Tony Rawstorn |
| 2017 | Jeff Cress |
| 2016 | Jason Farmer |
| 2015 | Tony Rawstorn |
| 2014 | Sara Mason |
| 2013 | John Kennard |
| 2012 | Sara Mason |
| 2011 | Sara Mason |
| 2010 | Paul Fallon |
| 2009 | John Kennard |
| 2008 | John Kennard |
| 2007 | Rob Ryan |
2WD Champions
2WD Drivers Champions
| Season | Recipient | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Dylan Thomson | Ford Fiesta Rally4 |
| 2022 | Dylan Thomson | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2021 | Dylan Thomson | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2020 | Not contested | (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Marcus Van Klink | Mazda RX-8 |
| 2018 | Dylan Thomson | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2017 | Dylan Thomson | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2016 | Dave Strong | Honda Civic |
| 2015 | Max Bayley | Ford Fiesta R2 |
| 2014 | Max Bayley | Ford Fiesta R2 |
| 2013 | Josh Marston | Ford Fiesta R2 |
| 2012 | David Holder | Toyota Levin |
| 2011 | Not Contested | |
| 2010 | Matt Summerfield | Skoda Fabia |
| 2009 | Matt Summerfield | Skoda Fabia |
| 2008 | Craig Stevens | |
| 2007 | David Wright | |
| 2006 | Deane Buist | |
| 2005 | Deane Buist | |
| 2004 | Derek Ayson | |
| 2003 | Dave Strong | |
| 2002 | Deane Buist | |
| 2001 | Deane Buist | |
| 2000 | Stu Moore | |
| 1999 | Jeff Judd |
2WD Co-Driver Champions
| Season | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Bayden Thomson |
| 2022 | Bayden Thomson |
| 2021 | Samantha Gray |
| 2020 | Not contested |
| 2019 | Dave Neill |
| 2018 | Amy Hudson |
| 2017 | Amy Hudson |
| 2016 | Bruce McKenzie |
| 2015 | Donna Elder |
| 2014 | Phillip Deakin |
| 2013 | Venita Fabbro |
| 2012 | James Holder |
| 2011 | Not Contested |
| 2010 | Phillip Deakin |
| 2009 | Phillip Deakin |
Category 2 (FIA 2WD) Champions
Category 2 (FIA 2WD) Drivers Champions
| Season | Recipient | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Dylan Thomson | Ford Fiesta Rally4 |
| 2022 | Dylan Thomson | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2021 | Dylan Thomson | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2020 | Not contested | (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Mike Sheehan | Ford Fiesta R2 |
| 2018 | Dylan Thomson | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2017 | Dylan Thomson | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2016 | Max Bayley | Ford Fiesta R2 |
| 2015 | Max Bayley | Ford Fiesta R2 |
| 2014 | Max Bayley | Ford Fiesta R2 |
| 2013 | Josh Marston | Ford Fiesta R2 |
| 2012 | Ben Hunt | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2011 | Ben Hunt | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2010 | Stephen Barker | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2009 | Ben Jagger | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2008 | Patrick Malley | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2007 | Mark Tapper | Ford Fiesta ST |
Category 2 (FIA 2WD) Co-Drivers Champions
| Season | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Bayden Thomson |
| 2022 | Bayden Thomson |
| 2021 | Amy Hudson |
| 2020 | Not contested |
| 2019 | Glenn Goldring |
| 2018 | Amy Hudson |
| 2017 | Amy Hudson |
| 2016 | Lisa Hudson |
| 2015 | Donna Elder |
| 2014 | Phillip Deakin |
| 2013 | Venita Fabbro |
| 2012 | Tony Rawstorn |
| 2011 | Tony Rawstorn |
| 2010 | Richard Ellis |
| 2009 | Ben Hawkins |
| 2008 | Raymond Bennett |
| 2007 | Jeff Cress |
Category 3 (Open 2WD) Champions
Category 3 (Open 2WD) Drivers Champions
| Season | Recipient | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Daniel Haines | Ford Escort |
| 2022 | Daniel Haines | Ford Escort |
| 2021 | Ari Pettigrew | BMW 318ti |
| 2020 | Not contested | (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Marcus Van Klink | Mazda RX8 |
| 2018 | Marcus Van Klink | Mazda RX8 |
| 2017 | Anthony Jones | Ford Escort |
| 2016 | Dave Strong | Honda Civic |
| 2015 | Not Awarded | Not Awarded |
| 2014 | Hamish Anderson | Toyota Levin |
| 2013 | Hamish Anderson | Toyota Levin |
| 2012 | David Holder | Toyota Levin |
Category 3 (Open 2WD) Co-Drivers Champions
| Season | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Matt Priest |
| 2022 | Matt Priest |
| 2021 | Samantha Gray |
| 2020 | Not contested |
| 2019 | Dave Neill |
| 2018 | Dave Neill |
| 2017 | Tanya Gwynne |
| 2016 | Bruce McKenzie |
| 2015 | Not Awarded |
| 2014 | Sarah Brennan |
| 2013 | Sarah Brennan |
| 2012 | James Holder |
Historic Challenge Champions
Historic Challenge Drivers
| Season | Recipient | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | John Silcock | Mazda RX7 |
| 2022 | John Silcock | Mazda RX7 |
| 2021 | Anthony Jones | Ford Escort |
| 2020 | Not contested | (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Jeff Judd | Ford Escort |
| 2018 | John Silcock | Mazda RX7 |
| 2017 | Tony Gosling | Ford Escort |
| 2016 | Marcus van Klink | Mazda RX7 |
| 2015 | Marcus van Klink | Mazda RX7 |
| 2014 | Marcus van Klink | Mazda RX7 |
| 2013 | Deane Buist | Ford Escort RS1800 |
| 2012 | Marcus van Klink | Mazda RX7 |
| 2011 | Rob Wylie | Nissan 240RS |
| 2010 | Regan Ross | Ford Escort |
| 2009 | Mike Cameron | Mitsubishi Lancer |
| 2008 | Rob Wylie | Nissan 240RS |
| 2007 | Euan Fuge | Mazda RX3 |
| 2006 | Robert Murray | Mazda RX7 |
Historic Challenge Co-Drivers
| Season | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Donna Elder |
| 2022 | Donna Elder |
| 2021 | Zoe Jones |
| 2020 | Not contested |
| 2019 | Sarah Brennan |
| 2018 | Samantha Gray |
| 2017 | Blair Read |
| 2016 | Dave Neill |
| 2015 | Dave Neill |
| 2014 | Dave Neill |
| 2013 | Andrew Bulman |
| 2012 | Dave Neill |
| 2011 | Troy Smith |
| 2010 | Darren Galbraith |
| 2009 | Helen Cameron |
| 2008 | Paul Turner |
| 2007 | Mike Gibbs |
| 2006 | Deborah Kibble |
NZRC Rally Challenge Series
NZ Rally Challenge Trophy (Category 5) Drivers Champions
| Season | Recipient | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Zeal Jones | Subaru Impreza |
| 2022 | Jeff Ward | Subaru Impreza |
| 2021 | Quentin Palmer | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 5 |
| 2020 | Not contested | (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Matt Adams | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 |
| 2018 | Grant Blackberry | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10 |
| 2017 | Adam Bligh | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6 |
| 2016 | Kingsley Jones | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7 |
| 2015 | Darren Galbraith | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6 |
NZ Rally Challenge Trophy (Category 5) Co-Drivers Champions
| Season | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Matthew Sayers |
| 2022 | Murray O'Neil |
| 2021 | Noel Moloney |
| 2020 | Not contested |
| 2019 | Lisa Hudson |
| 2018 | Ric Chalmers |
| 2017 | Ric Chalmers |
| 2016 | Waverley Jones |
| 2015 | Rocky Hudson |
Category 5A (4WD) Rally Challenge Trophy Drivers Champions
| Season | Recipient | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Zeal Jones | Subaru Impreza |
| 2022 | Jeff Ward | Subaru Impreza |
| 2021 | Quentin Palmer | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 5 |
| 2020 | Not contested | (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Matt Adams | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 |
| 2018 | Grant Blackberry | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10 |
| 2017 | Richard Bateman | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 |
| 2016 | Kingsley Jones | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7 |
| 2015 | Richard Bateman | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 |
| 2014 | Darren Galbraith | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6 |
| 2013 | Graham Featherstone | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7 |
Category 5A (4WD) Rally Challenge Trophy Co-Drivers Champions
| Season | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Matthew Sayers |
| 2022 | Murray O'Neil |
| 2021 | Noel Moloney |
| 2020 | Not contested |
| 2019 | Lisa Hudson |
| 2018 | Ric Chalmers |
| 2017 | Ric Chalmers |
| 2016 | Waverley Jones |
| 2015 | Sharisse Guckert |
| 2014 | James Bracefield |
| 2013 | Chris Davidson |
Category 5B (2WD) Rally Challenge Trophy Drivers Champions
| Season | Recipient | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Jared Parker | Toyota Corolla |
| 2022 | Jonty Brenssell | Toyota Starlet |
| 2021 | Daniel Haines | Ford Escort |
| 2020 | Not contested | (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Daniel Alexander | Toyota Starlet |
| 2018 | Marcus Van Klink | Mazda RX8 |
| 2017 | David Taylor | Honda Civic |
| 2016 | Jeff Torkington | Toyota MR2 |
| 2015 | Justin Glavish | Toyota Starlet |
| 2014 | Jeff Torkington | Toyota MR2 |
| 2013 | David Ralph | Toyota Starlet |
Category 5B (2WD) Rally Challenge Trophy Co-Drivers Champions
| Season | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Kyle Shears |
| 2022 | Daph O'Rourke |
| 2021 | Matt Priest |
| 2020 | Not contested |
| 2019 | Katrina Renshaw |
| 2018 | Dave Neill |
| 2017 | Pania Huntley |
| 2016 | Rodney James |
| 2015 | Michelle Brunt |
| 2014 | Hilary Gandy |
| 2013 | Paul MacDonald |
Junior Champions
| Season | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Bryn Jones |
| 2022 | Ari Pettigrew |
| 2021 | Ari Pettigrew |
| 2020 | Not contested |
| 2019 | Dylan Thomson |
| 2018 | Dylan Thomson |
| 2017 | Dylan Thomson |
| 2016 | Sloan Cox |
| 2015 | Lance Williams |
| 2014 | David Holder |
| 2013 | Ben Hunt |
| 2012 | Matt Jansen |
| 2011 | Ben Hunt |
| 2010 | Sloan Cox |
| 2009 | Matt Jansen |
| 2008 | Hayden Paddon |
| 2007 | Hayden Paddon |
| 2006 | Hayden Paddon |
| 2005 | Brett Martin |
| 2004 | Dean Sumner |
| 2003 | Richard Mason |
| 2002 | Richard Mason |
| 2001 | Cameron Bates |
| 2000 | Chris West |
| 1999 | Karl Robinson |
| 1998 | Chris West |
| 1997 | Jason West |
| 1996 | Craig Marshall |
| 1995 | Greg Graham |
| 1994 | Andrew Grant |
| 1993 | Blair Logan |
| 1992 | Roger McKay |
| 1991 | Mark Leonard |
| 1990 | Greg Graham |
| 1989 | Darren Fairhall |
| 1988 | Stuart Weeber |
| 1987 | Stuart Weeber |
| 1986 | Brett Hill |
| 1985 | Robert Hart |
| 1984 | Mike Montgomery |
| 1983 | Mike Montgomery |
Rookie Driver Champions
| Season | Recipient | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Jared Parker | Toyota Corolla |
| 2022 | John-Paul van Der Meys | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2021 | Brendon Wadsworth | Ford Fiesta R2 |
| 2020 | Not contested | (COVID-19) |
| 2019 | Ben Thomasen | Subaru Impreza |
| 2018 | Eugene Creugnet | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 |
| 2017 | Max Tregilgas | Ford Fiesta ST |
| 2016 | Carl Davies | Toyota Yaris |
| 2015 | Richard Bateman | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 |
| 2014 | Lance Williams | Subaru Impreza WRX |
| 2013 | Graham Featherstone | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7 |
| 2012 | David Holder | Toyota Levin |
| 2011 | Neil Marshall | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 |
| 2010 | Regan Ross | Ford Escort |
| 2009 | Matt Jansen | Subaru Impreza |
| 2008 | Andre Meier | Subaru Impreza |
| 2007 | Callum McInnes | Subaru Impreza WRX |
| 2006 | Hayden Paddon | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 |
| 2005 | Lee-Anne Barns | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 |
| 2004 | Sam Murray | Subaru Impreza |
| 2003 | Dean Sumner | Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6 |
Manufacturer's Trophy
| Season | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Ford |
| 2022 | Hyundai |
| 2021 | Hyundai |
| 2020 | Not contested |
| 2019 | Subaru |
| 2018 | Hyundai |
| 2017 | Subaru |
| 2016 | Mitsubishi |
| 2015 | Subaru |
| 2014 | Subaru |
| 2013 | Not contested |
| 2012 | Subaru |
| 2011 | Subaru |
| 2010 | Mitsubishi |
| 2009 | Subaru |
| 2008 | Mitsubishi |
| 2007 | Subaru |
| 2006 | Subaru |
| 2005 | Subaru |
| 2004 | Mitsubishi |
| 2003 | Mitsubishi Team |
| 2002 | Mitsubishi Team |
| 2001 | Mitsubishi Ralliart Team |
| 2000 | Mitsubishi Ralliart Team - Geof Argyle, Todd Bawden, Andrew Hawkeswood |
| 1999 | Mitsubishi Ralliart Team - Geof Argyle, Todd Bawden, Ross Meekings |
| 1998 | Mitsubishi Team - Geof Argyle, Todd Bawden, Marty Roestenburg |
| 1997 | Mitsubishi Team - Reece Jones, Marty Roestenburg, Geof Argyle |
| 1996 | Subaru Team - Greg Graham, Joe McAndrew, Stumpy Holmes |
| 1995 | Mitsubishi Team - Reece Jones, Andrew Grant, Mark Leonard |
| 1994 | Subaru Team - Vanessa Slee, Brian Watkin, Joe McAndrew |
Teams Cup
| Season | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Paddon Rallysport - Hayden Paddon, Ari Pettigrew |
| 2022 | Paddon Rallysport - Hayden Paddon, Ari Pettigrew |
| 2021 | Paddon Rallysport - Hayden Paddon, Ari Pettigrew |
| 2020 | Not contested |
| 2019 | Team LJ Hooker - Dylan Turner, Dylan Thomson |
| 2018 | Tortoise and the Hare - Jack Williamson, Hayden Paddon |
| 2017 | Matt Summerfield, Darren Galbraith, Jack Williamson |
| 2016 | Not Contested |
| 2015 | Not Contested |
| 2014 | Team Mason - Richard Mason, Marcus van Klink, Brent Taylor |
| 2013 | Andrew Simms Mitsubishi - Chris West, Josh Marston, Jeff Judd |