2017 nzrc [Archive] - Motorsport Forums

GravelBen

16th November 2016, 11:05

But as it was my first trip to NZ I don't know if that was just the norm for Kiwis watching rally cars!

Spectator numbers at Otago this year were up a bit over recent years I thought, noticeably more but not by a huge margin.

Hayden in the AP4 Hyundai seemed to be a pretty big drawcard, a bit like the way extra people turned out a few years ago because Ari Vatanen was contesting the classics in a BDA. I talked to quite a few people that year who were there mainly because they had either seen Ari in action in the 80s or had never seen him drive in person but always wanted to.

Zeakiwi

16th November 2016, 19:40

I'll be arriving in NZ after Easter so I may go to Whangarei, even Canterbury is a possibility but I will likely be settling in down in Queenstown in June. So a late season trip back up to the North Island is more likely.

I think that'll be a big event in November if the hype for Rally NZ to return to WRC at this year's Otago is anything to go by. But as it was my first trip to NZ I don't know if that was just the norm for Kiwis watching rally cars!
You might have to keep an eye on the accomodation situation in Queenstown, it is often tight in the skiing season and summer tourist season.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/79642369/Queenstowns-housing-shortage-near-crisis-point

I wonder about holding a WRC in Tauranga, a number of people will probably have to stay in Rotorua or Hamilton, Tokoroa possibly or use air BnB etc.

GravelBen

17th November 2016, 00:30

If we do get the WRC back I might have to make a trip to the North Island! Usually try to avoid the place...

Munkvy

17th November 2016, 07:05

I'll be there doing a few of the events.

Ray

We might have to have a motorsportforums meet and greet. I am planning on co-driving in 3-4 rounds.

raybak

17th November 2016, 08:31

In the Charade?

Would love to do it in the Charade but will be codriving for Derek Reynolds next year. 4 rallies in NZ with him.

With the dog box and the new engine that will be built over Christmas the Charade would do alright in 2wd.

Ray

KiwiWRCfan

14th December 2016, 04:22

* 14 stages that total 285 competitive km
* Glendhu Forest stages not used in over 30 years
* 40km long public road stage
* 55km long Berwick Forest stage
* now taking registrations of interest
More info at http://www.otagorally.com/home/603-2017-otago-rally-route-set-to-impress

Zeakiwi

22nd December 2016, 06:41

Cunningham with Euro constructed Fiesta shell for NZ RC 2017.
http://tinyurl.com/jcpsgx3

Hawkeswood Mazda 2 test December '16

http://tinyurl.com/juw3y3f

KiwiWRCfan

28th December 2016, 18:26

Defending national champion David Holder is still looking for a drive in NZRC 2017, he hopes he may get to do 2 rounds in the Hyundai i20 AP4 car.
Hayden Paddon is expected to do 2 rounds of NZRC 2017 in Hyundai AP4 i20. Those rounds cannot be Otago or Whangarei which have date clashes with Corsica & Argentina respectively. While Hayden's NZRC 2017 events are not yet confirmed Rally Coromandel on August 26th and Rally NZ on November 25th & 26th seem most likely options when comparing WRC & NZRC calendars
more info on David Holder 2017 situation here http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rallying/news/article.cfm?c_id=297&objectid=11774054

Zeakiwi

28th December 2016, 20:48

Holder might have a chat to Nissan about a Nismo Pulsar. Hopefully the race GT GTR has not drained the Nissan NZ coin jar.
http://www.nissancarsmodels.com/2017-nissan-pulsar-nismo-nissan-car-lovers-will-definitely-love-much-awaited-nissan-pulsar-nismo-set-released-soon-giving-users-comfortable-feeling-using-c/

Zeakiwi

3rd January 2017, 18:48

Inside the Force Motorsport shed
http://www.themotorhood.com/themotorhood/2016/11/17/building-blocks-shed-raiding-at-force-motorsport

Force has changed sheds since this article was written?

Murphy to give the Barina AP4 a run at Leadfoot.
https://www.facebook.com/leadfootfestival/videos/1339142872804217/

GravelBen

3rd January 2017, 22:52

Frank Kelly bringing his 2.5 Escort over from Ireland to do Otago apparently: http://www.otagorally.com/home/608-irish-star-to-bring-baby-blue-to-otago-rally

kirungi okwogera

19th January 2017, 18:09

Pretty absurd the defending champion can't get a drive or enough sponsorship for one. I was mucking about on trademe and saw the Masons' old Subaru was for sale...

GravelBen

20th January 2017, 00:51

Pretty absurd the defending champion can't get a drive or enough sponsorship for one. I was mucking about on trademe and saw the Masons' old Subaru was for sale...

Funny old game isn't it. Defending champ can't get enough sponsorship, 5-times champ Mason can't get enough sponsorship, but relative newbies to the championship are rolling up with brand new cars.

Zeakiwi

31st January 2017, 08:40

Leadfoot Festival this weekend, is it live streamed this year the web page has not been updated?
http://www.leadfootfestival.com/leadfoot-festival/

Zeakiwi

1st February 2017, 16:06

Murphy AP4 Holden Barina breaks cover before Leadfoot. (Rumours of AP4 Kia and Audi)

http://tinyurl.com/h2xncbm
http://www.velocitynews.co.nz/news.php?id=1229

Barina run at Leadfoot https://www.facebook.com/GMurphV8/videos/1328228333865674/

Hawkeswood Mazda 2 AP4 - leadfoot - https://www.facebook.com/183019475070115/videos/1295149983857053/

Zeakiwi

1st March 2017, 17:25

Holder, Quantock and Paddon - unveil 2017 colours for NZRC Hyundai i20 AP4
http://www.velocitynews.co.nz/news.php?id=1345

Josh Marston to debut Holden Barina AP4 on gravel at Westland Rally (8 stages, 3 reversed, 1 repeat)
http://tinyurl.com/jfjhnag

http://www.sporty.co.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=115f2237-f4bc-4ded-b870-1a810e2a6af4 (Westland map) D-Mack and Stadium Finance sponsors.

Markko Martin returning for Otago Classic Rally.

GravelBen

11th March 2017, 09:04

130 entries for Otago, should be great.

Zeakiwi

11th March 2017, 10:38

Rhys Gardner is listed with a Mazda. https://www.facebook.com/wwrally/photos/a.1383196555236281.1073741828.1383189198570350/1888449398044325/?type=3

GravelBen

12th March 2017, 04:52

Rhys Gardner is listed with a Mazda. https://www.facebook.com/wwrally/photos/a.1383196555236281.1073741828.1383189198570350/1888449398044325/?type=3

Yeah I saw that, he's a quick driver (several times Catlins winner in the Evo) so it will be interesting to see how he goes with that.

Zeakiwi

17th March 2017, 06:39

CC's new Fiesta in Maxxis coulurs https://fb-s-a-a.akamaihd.net/h-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/17264523_1124217981021225_9223354407455688481_n.jp g?oh=b7c80e0f88ef7ff6471f6244882d614e&oe=5967D400&__gda__=1498929804_418c0fabdef00ef6c33949c302db85d 9

Photobombed by Cooper tyres

Targa Rotorua this weekend. Usual teams of regular competitors. Porsche strong.

Davies' Toyota Yaris AP4 on course to be rally ready.
http://nzrallychamps.co.nz/meet-the-toyota-yaris-ap4/

Davies' Yaris on the gravel
http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/nz/11271-toyota-yaris-ap4-makes-nz-competition-debut

Zeakiwi

2nd April 2017, 01:24

Countdown to Rally Otago 2017. Teams on the road to the event.
Yaris AP4 slightly damaged on trailer on the way to the event.
https://www.facebook.com/daviesrallysport/photos/pcb.385346385183265/385346341849936/?type=3

GravelBen

3rd April 2017, 12:44

Anyone else from here planning to be at Otago? I'll be out around the stages with the camera again.

Arnold Triyudho Wardono

4th April 2017, 03:43

Looking forward to see the AP4 photos..

Sent from my A12 using Tapatalk

leighton323

4th April 2017, 21:02

Anyone else from here planning to be at Otago? I'll be out around the stages with the camera again.
I'll be there for my 12th Otago Rally in a row!

Zeakiwi

7th April 2017, 21:18

Rally Otago Livestream https://livestream.com/rallylivenz/events/7022016 (bit patchy with the cell reception in the area) A 5g build is in the plan for NZ.
www.chrissport.co.nz for the stage times.

GravelBen

8th April 2017, 08:14

Pretty high attrition rate today!

Zeakiwi

9th April 2017, 01:20

Stephane Prevot at Otago '17 with Markko Martin.
https://www.facebook.com/otagorally/videos/10158560314690284/

https://youtu.be/VMYsQ3kDJ3s Martin wins for 2nd year.

KiwiWRCfan

12th April 2017, 14:50

Gardner went extremely well in Otago. Next challenge the less familiar roads of Whangarei.

Zeakiwi

13th April 2017, 05:32

Turner in Audi for Whangarei (if completed in time)
https://tinyurl.com/lvhgzmz

GravelBen

21st April 2017, 11:15

Album of my photos from Otago here:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskYjECjR

A few (I use that term very loosely) samples...

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2829/33331246124_e3d5f5c95c_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SMnmej)DSC_3308 (https://flic.kr/p/SMnmej) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2824/33788974280_7f84e5ea95_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TtPjS5)DSC_3379 (https://flic.kr/p/TtPjS5) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2831/33331247254_7fcddd0ec0_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SMnmyN)DSC_3332 (https://flic.kr/p/SMnmyN) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2812/34173620355_c879322be8_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/U4NJJX)DSC_3407 (https://flic.kr/p/U4NJJX) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2886/34016422732_b82ae63b5e_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TPV4n7)DSC_3715 (https://flic.kr/p/TPV4n7) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2881/33331265264_deaf7abb83_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SMnrVj)DSC_3740 (https://flic.kr/p/SMnrVj) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2932/33362641433_3751190e39_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SQ9fXK)DSC_3758 (https://flic.kr/p/SQ9fXK) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2897/33362646373_df68623fe3_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SQ9hqV)DSC_3911 (https://flic.kr/p/SQ9hqV) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

GravelBen

21st April 2017, 11:15

And some more...

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2863/34042827851_e9570cfaf9_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TSfoFM)DSC_4063 (https://flic.kr/p/TSfoFM) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2920/34173635205_3874610bd9_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/U4NP9Z)DSC_4031 (https://flic.kr/p/U4NP9Z) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2870/34173607755_e5cf369845_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/U4NEZH)DSC_4356 (https://flic.kr/p/U4NEZH) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2834/33789836080_d5cab3a8c9_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TtTK3G)DSC_4565 (https://flic.kr/p/TtTK3G) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2833/33363457383_6f9cec7f97_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SQdrvR)DSC_4708 (https://flic.kr/p/SQdrvR) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2891/34043691571_03d67324be_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TSjPrv)DSC_5082 (https://flic.kr/p/TSjPrv) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2882/34043677941_b10e6aba7a_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TSjKov)DSC_5500 (https://flic.kr/p/TSjKov) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2927/33363448353_dba5f8ab6f_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SQdoQa)DSC_5529 (https://flic.kr/p/SQdoQa) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

Zeakiwi

30th April 2017, 09:12

NZRC - Rally Whangarei Day2
https://youtu.be/5iHBDWBu3es (am)
https://youtu.be/rumLkXrvN_Y (pm)

Maui J.

8th May 2017, 10:57

Watched a bit of Rally Whangarei on Livestream. https://livestream.com/watch/search?q=rally%20whangarei

I didn't listen to all the chit-chat between cars but did I hear that Brian Stokes is also building a AP4 car as well?

Zeakiwi

8th May 2017, 11:50

Shannon Chambers is completing a 2nd NZ AP4 Toyota Yaris.

leighton323

8th May 2017, 12:15

Zeakiwi

10th May 2017, 23:16

Media point out inevitable costs of AP4. How much do the sadev trans cost?
https://tinyurl.com/m64zfwu

Munkvy

11th May 2017, 01:45

Media point out inevitable costs of AP4. How much do the sadev trans cost?
https://tinyurl.com/m64zfwu
They are right, it's very expensive. However AP4 cars so far have not managed to consistently win events, especially given last years championship was still won by an Evo and Whangarei was won this year by a Subaru, although of course some of that is down to reliability hurdles.

Zeakiwi

21st May 2017, 22:29

Hopper, West, Dippie - top3 for Targa Hawkes Bay. First 2 in EvoX https://www.facebook.com/TargaNZ/videos/1364211646998222/

Munkvy

31st May 2017, 07:25

Rally Canterbury is on in the South Island of New Zealand this coming weekend (Sunday), weather is looking like a little rain and a bit chilly, winter is finally coming... Hopefully no snow this year!

The rally is the 3rd round of the NZ championship, with 10 stages over just 1 day. 4 stages repeated twice and then 2 night stages (proper ones too, not a super special!). 79 cars entered in the rally, with over half the field entered in the NZRC. Any of the the top 8-10 cars could all win it, with most of them having won at least one round before. The current national champion isn't competing (he was only driving the Hyundai AP4 for the first two rounds, this time it is driven by Job Quantock who has never competed in it before).

It will be interesting to see if the AP4 cars start to pull an advantage on the modified Subarus and Evos. Currently the championship is being led by an old Evo 7 and second is an equally as old V10 STi, so the AP4s (and their drivers!) haven't yet shown the consistency necessary.

Results on - http://chrissport.co.nz/

And live footage on - https://livestream.com/rallylivenz when available. It is all archived anyway if you want to watch it later.

I am co-driving in the same Honda as at Whangarei, we are unlikely to be able to get another class win however, as there is one incredibly fast Escort in our class, which is very well driven.

Zeakiwi

31st May 2017, 22:13

Weather forecast - Sunday 4th June - showers with possibility of snow flurries to 900metres. Often ice in shaded parts of forest at higher elevations at this time of year. Dust should less likely to be a problem.
http://www.metservice.com/mountain/canterbury-high-country

Stage 2 and (repeat) for stage 6- likely key stages as 33km can be hard on tyres.
http://www.autosport.org.nz/assets/Uploads/regs/2017/2017-06-4th-Canterbury-Rally-Spectator-Map-Compressed.pdf

Zeakiwi

4th June 2017, 03:14

Summerfield leads Canterbury. Fairly damp event.
Stage classifications in the Chrissport results have the top speeds reached on the stage. At Whangarei, see the top speeds on the NZRC Mitsi evos vs the MRF Skoda R5.

https://livestream.com/rallylivenz/events/7022043/videos/157504725 (NZRC on event minimalistic operations base. radio room, rally safe tracking , chrissport results, etc

https://tinyurl.com/ycf9nze4 snow

Munkvy

6th June 2017, 05:09

Well that didn't go to plan! We were 42nd overall (out of 80) in the first stage, 2nd in class (first in our class ended up coming 3rd overall in the whole rally!), and things were going well, then we got stuck part way through the second stage and had to wait to get towed out by another competitor which was good of him...

Then unfortunately about 1km from the finish we cut in a little too early over a crest, got sucked down into a ditch and hit a concrete culvert which smashed two wheels and threw us into a bank. A rather sudden stop unfortunately!

https://youtu.be/7uXJ42orSpQ

Jeppe

6th June 2017, 07:21

That´s motorsport ;) You were pretty lucky that your car didn´t roll.

GravelBen

6th June 2017, 10:27

Stage classifications in the Chrissport results have the top speeds reached on the stage.

Good find, hadn't realised they showed top speeds there. Interesting to compare the modern cars top speeds with the classics in the Otago results too.

Munkvy

6th June 2017, 21:25

Good find, hadn't realised they showed top speeds there. Interesting to compare the modern cars top speeds with the classics in the Otago results too.

It's a recent addition, have a look at Whangarei. The Evo's on the long straights are very fast! Interesting that the Hyundai AP4 isn't much slower though.

Or if you want to throw the cat amongst the pigeons, have a look at the Targa results. For an event with a 200km speed limit that's a lot of cars over who didn't get penalised...

Munkvy

6th June 2017, 21:26

That´s motorsport ;) You were pretty lucky that your car didn´t roll.

Completely agree, or even worse have the culvert hit on the drivers door, which would have ended up somewhere inside the car I imagine, so we were comparatively lucky!

Zeakiwi

14th June 2017, 22:07

Six selected for 1st NZ co-drivers' Academy.
http://www.motorsport.org.nz/news/co-drivers-announced-inaugural-rally-new-zealand-co-driver-academy

Former M-Sport Fiesta challenge participant Stephen Barker back for a competitive drive after 5 years.
http://alittlebitsideways.co.nz/barker-makes-rally-return-up-north/

http://aucklandcarclub.com/i/images/Far%20North%20Rally%20Stage%20Details.pdf (Got some longish stages for the rally up north this year)

Robson leads going into last one.

Listed as Robson(Evo 4!), Campbell, Barker, Hunt

https://youtu.be/la2-7dXYWr0 photo montage
https://youtu.be/hZiktZVD5QU starlet northland incar - almost gets stuck in a ditch half way through.
https://youtu.be/XLoyKbI9qfA drone - still road dust in Northland winter. Kikuyu - semi-tropical grass on roadsides.

Zeakiwi

20th June 2017, 11:51

Feather's EVO 7 that is like grandad's axe. - reshelled - re-roofed multiple times. https://www.facebook.com/newzealandrallychampionship/videos/1555406667823536/

Zeakiwi

8th July 2017, 00:13

Nelson rally this weekend - Ben Hunt in the nzrc subaru. http://chrissport.co.nz/event.php?db=nelson2017
Summerfield in a Subaru legacy.

https://www.facebook.com/BenHUNTMotorsport/videos/1753369858010048/ (Hunt in 1st place)

Nelson Rally stage 5 https://youtu.be/7MQ77PVFixc

Munkvy

9th August 2017, 23:19

Next round of the NZRC is coming up, on the 26th of August - Rally Coromandel.

Seeded entry list is out - http://nzrallychamps.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Seeded-Entry-List-Coromandel-2017.pdf

I am co-driving in a Subaru Legacy this time as the Honda I was doing the championship in is still being re-shelled after our sudden stop at Canterbury. Should be excellent fun as the driver is quite fond of being sideways, although I have only done one event with him before.

Hayden Paddon (with John Kennard) will be expected to comfortably win this, however the Hyundai reliability hasn't been quite as good as expected this year. So time will tell with that. We also have Brendan Reeves entered in a brand new Mazda AP4, so will be interesting to see how close he is, he comfortably won the event last year in an old model Mazda AP4, however the stages are reversed this year, so not really as much advantage in stage knowledge. Apparently his "secret" weapon last year was Pirelli's, but Hayden is also running them.

GravelBen

12th August 2017, 07:50

Nice sunny day out at Catlins rally today, no snow this year!

Classy drive from Andrew Graves to take the win (4th time?) by about a minute over Jeff Judd.

Zeakiwi

20th August 2017, 02:35

NZ Rallying 50 years - 1967-2017 Hamilton.
https://www.facebook.com/1550149991938793/videos/1994705487483239/

GravelBen

20th August 2017, 07:16

A few of my photos from Catlins here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm6usSP1

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4356/36433280222_f2646b4eda_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Xvu5TQ)DSC_6859 (https://flic.kr/p/Xvu5TQ) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4375/36601829905_d7268d6808_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XLnWQR)DSC_6984 (https://flic.kr/p/XLnWQR) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4369/36433237132_e233071dd3_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XvtS5U)DSC_7166 (https://flic.kr/p/XvtS5U) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4381/36555672056_effa9bb7b3_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XGinHS)DSC_7423 (https://flic.kr/p/XGinHS) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4395/36555664856_ab4601c882_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XGikzJ)DSC_7568 (https://flic.kr/p/XGikzJ) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4331/36433241232_069aa074a0_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/XvtTiA)DSC_7730 (https://flic.kr/p/XvtTiA) by Ben (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gravelben/), on Flickr

Zeakiwi

25th August 2017, 01:40

Rally NZ route 2017 Day one Raglan (Whaanga Coast etc), Day two - South to Manawahe etc.
http://www.rallynz.org.nz/?p=310

Paddon on Coromandel recce
https://www.facebook.com/haydenpaddonwrc/videos/1399987410037044/

Munkvy

27th August 2017, 21:35

So Brendan Reeves (from Australia) comfortably won Rally Coromandel in a new Mazda AP4 car, with Andrew Hawkeswood second, so repeating his win from last year. Hayden fell off the road in SS4, just nosed it over a bank and got stuck, he was leading up till this point, but it was certainly very slippery out! He did rejoin to do the super special at the end of the day and did some donuts for the crowd.

This elevates Andrew to leading the points for the championship, with 2 rounds to go... Matt Summerfield (older N12 Subaru WRX) is second in the championship and former champ Ben Hunt (current model Subaru WRX) is 3rd.

Overall the day started out dry, but with a 70+km tour to first stage and straight into a 35km stage, which saw a lot of a attrition straight away. Then from there it was patchy raining all day, with the 309 and Tapu stages becoming quite slippery. Quite a lot of cars off road with not significant damage, just caught out under brakes from what I could see and not able to get back on the road.

Great to see quite a lot spectators out, as it's not exactly easy roads to get into in places - there is often no way in or out other than on the stage you are driving on. We saw quite a few people with Hayden apparel on and lots of people standing on the sides of the road waving to cars, even in the reasonably heavy rain at times. So it looks like the community definitely backed having the rally around.

We had quite a good day, struggled for grip on some Hankooks that although they were soft compound, just didn't quite work in the wet. Switched to the Dunlops later in the day and were much happier for the last stage. We ended up 2nd in the 4WD non-NZRC category, and 18th overall out of 78. So a pretty good day really. Co-driving in a car with 4WD and a bit more horsepower was certainly exciting at times, hard to keep up with the notes in the faster bits! Definitely a step up in pace from the Honda I have been co-driving in previously!

Overall results:

1 B. Reeves / B. Searcy (2) 1:28:18.3
2 A. Hawkeswood / J. Cress (4) +1:15.3
3 B. Hunt / T. Rawstorn (6) +1:44.5
4 P. Campbell / R. Hudson (14) +2:27.5
5 A. Bligh / R. Chalmers (17) +2:42.3
6 S. Cox / S. Coatsworth (7) +3:38.5
7 D. Holder / J. Farmer (5) +3:41.8
8 M. Jensen / K. Anstis (16) +3:59.4
9 E. Gilmour / A. McLoughlin (9) +4:00.7
10 Q. Palmer / D. Bassett (24) +4:24.3
11 D. Strong / B. McKenzie (20) +4:36.8
12 R. Bateman / S. Guckert (22) +5:48.9
13 E. Creugnet / P. Delrieu (25) +6:37.2
14 M. Adams / K. Adams (33) +7:26.7
15 A. Jones / T. Gwynne (29) +7:31.8
16 T. Gosling / B. Read (30) +7:47.2
17 D. Thomson / A. Hudson (34) +8:26.1
18 R. Vizible / V. Eden (39) +10:22.6
19 F. Merkin / S. Everson (37) +10:23.7
20 M. Smith / D. Adams (40) +10:25.0

GravelBen

28th August 2017, 07:32

Decent result for Holder in that borrowed GC8 Impreza too.

Zeakiwi

28th August 2017, 11:17

When was the last time there was a Mazda 1,2 in a round of a NZ rally championship?

Points with 2 events left (Is rally nz a double points round?) Hawkeswood 88, Summerfield 81, Hunt 70, Gardner 67, Holder 58 (Have to favour one of the first 3 for the title)

KiwiWRCfan

31st August 2017, 09:26

When was the last time there was a Mazda 1,2 in a round of a NZ rally championship?

28 years ago - it was also Mazda's only ever 1-2 in a WRC event. It was Rod Millen's only ever WRC podium. Bottom step of podium was the driver of a Vauxhall Astra named Malcolm Wilson in his only ever podium outside of the UK

Zeakiwi

31st August 2017, 10:35

Holder to borrow Murf's AP4 Holden for the last 2 nzrc rounds.
http://bit.ly/2erY9p4

KiwiWRCfan

1st September 2017, 10:27

Points with 2 events left (Is rally nz a double points round?) Hawkeswood 88, Summerfield 81, Hunt 70, Gardner 67, Holder 58 (Have to favour one of the first 3 for the title)
Yes Rally NZ is a double points round.
Potential of 74 points still to be won. http://www.chrissport.nz/points/2017/nzrc2017.htm

Zeakiwi

6th September 2017, 22:08

Neil Allport obtains used R5 Fiesta https://tinyurl.com/y8yx7nhn Has any one seen an R5 Fiesta parts list, homologation papers etc?

Zeakiwi

14th September 2017, 08:42

Rally Coromandel - NZRC regulars plus Kelsey and Reeves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ_NuV8CAac

Ashley Forest Rallysprint this weekend with Paddon (AP4++)
http://www.ratec.org.nz/the-ashley-forest-rallysprint/2017-entry-list

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21751553_1418928704809581_1651301822483813745_n.jp g?oh=0c98458752b24e1b5f2f53ad98d47d8e&oe=5A52DD8C (Paddon in i20 pushed to 600hp and big wing)

NZ Mitsubishi Mirage AP4 / Summerfield - 2nd behind S Cox's spaceframe EVO at Ashley Forest Rally sprint.

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21462695_1344927462301095_3655198472901866831_n.jp g?oh=f225db32772831a9588dff6825954307&oe=5A5B77A9

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21740350_1344927508967757_6021726240141006242_n.jp g?oh=d22f230d4646f3a143912eed926a1d85&oe=5A14A082

Munkvy

19th September 2017, 20:46

Hayden has said on Facebook that the Hyundai AP4 wont' be a the next round, which I assume is due to the recent engine failure at Ashley Forest.

Zeakiwi

23rd September 2017, 11:28

I saw and heard the 'Bayley Produce' R5 today, looks great and the sound of the tune is awesome.

GravelBen

26th September 2017, 10:24

15 rallies so far in NZ this year, 15 different winners! At least it isn't boring and predictable.

AndyRAC

27th September 2017, 20:32

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNr7bFYdaZcaEcX_dvl6Hhg

Munkvy

9th October 2017, 02:46

Rally Waitomo, the penultimate round is on this coming weekend.

81 cars entered, with 43 cars in NZRC classes, which is a really strong number for a country of less than 5 million! This rally is new to the championship, and has no repeat stages (which is unusual these days!). It also includes two stages over 40km long. So going to be a good test of endurance.

Some interesting things to note when looking through the entries:

Reigning national champion David Holder will start in a Holden Barina AP4 (normally driven by Greg Murphy, who has other commitments), so Holder in a Holden. He won the championship in an ex-Paddon Evo last year and doesn't currently have a car of his own. He completed the last round at Coromandel in a borrowed old GC8 Subaru, coming home in 7th overall, so will be interesting to see what he can get out of the Barina AP4 given his clear talent behind the wheel.

Max Bayley is debuting the first R5 car in the NZRC - a Ford Fiesta R5. I don't know anything about the car, whether it is an evolution model or anything, although I think from memory Neil Allport is running the car. Max has also not competed in the NZRC for a while (not since Canterbury last year), so I imagine it will take a little while to get used to the car and upto speed. He has previously competed in a Fiesta R2 in NZRC.

Dylan Turner is back in the very cool Audi S1 AP4, which missed the last round as he was off doing some promo work with Audi on snow...

Job Quantock (who drove Paddons Hyundai AP4 at Canterbury) has bought the Skoda AP4 off Glenn Inkster and will debut that. He is however seeded down in 14th, due to some mixed results so far this year.

Further back down the field a random observation, Jeff Ward, who previously campaigned a mostly carbon fibre and fibreglass Hillman Hunter with a V8 and a sequential gearbox had a rather big accident at Rally Coromandel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WSZgf6gOeE&feature=share So will now compete in his Subaru Legacy RS, which runs later model Subaru drivetrain, so could prove to be quite competitive and with a very favourable road position due to his struggle to finish rallies in the Hillman this year. So although I doubt he will trouble the top ten, he could go quite well given his seeding.

And finally, I have to mention Adam Bligh in an Evo 8. He finished 5th outright in Coromandel, having previously campaigned a somewhat tired Evo 6 in earlier rounds, he has recently stepped up to the Evo 8 and been setting extremely competitive times, with limited testing and budget. So although I don't think he will trouble for the win, he will most likely do quite well once again if everything holds together...

KiwiWRCfan

11th October 2017, 08:48

Another car that will catch a lot of spectator interest at Rally Waitomo is the 2WD Triumph TR7 powered by a V8 driven by Leon Styles. Well down the order on seeding but a car I am looking forward to seeing this Saturday

Zeakiwi

12th October 2017, 20:02

Neil Allport and Fiesta R5
https://youtu.be/HLRlxlA7pug

Zeakiwi

14th October 2017, 00:08

After stage 3 Hunt, Bayley, Cox (road position appears important, Dave Holder sweeping in front, DH hit bank in ss3, will be close to catching 000 car at the end of ss4)
https://www.facebook.com/newzealandrallychampionship/videos/1671483092882559/

http://hamiltoncarclub.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Rally-Map-Waitomo-Rally-2017-Final-20.09.17.pdf (few old wrc rally nz stages in today's event)

https://youtu.be/u4Cd_9Ck89w on event vid/car pics

MJ bends his car

https://www.facebook.com/Matt.Jensen.MaddyJ/videos/1736484243321006/

Rally of Waitomo video

https://youtu.be/q8diVHeJtsI

Zeakiwi

9th November 2017, 20:32

Rally NZ 2017 -weekend 25-26th November, 2017
http://www.rallynz.org.nz/

http://nzrallychamps.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Seeded-Entry-List-RNZ-2017.pdf
Paddon heads entry list in Hyundai i20, light on off shore entries - one from New Caledonia and 3 from Japan.

gban007

19th November 2017, 05:01

Hi, planning to go to the NZ Rally, haven't been to one before - so for a first timer, not sure what stages should look to go to, there doesn't appear to be a lot of spectator areas, so wondering what others think. We live in Tauranga, so will definitely be going to the opening ceremony on Friday night, but for the other two days, is it good to try and attend each day? Or perhaps just day 2, and just the spectator bit at the TECT terrain park? Cheers.

Zeakiwi

19th November 2017, 18:50

If you are going to an 'international rally for the first time, it is often advisable to go to a official spectator point if you are not a local, so you can leave after the cars have passed.

https://www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/news/public-notices/article/2017/08/28/temporary-road-closures---rally-new-zealand

Look up the District Council websites. If you get into a stage the road can be closed for a long time (e.g 9am to 5 pm)

The first day - the stage 3 spectator point. Probably take over an hour from Tauranga (1.5 hours?) (over 3 hours of driving)
http://nzrallychamps.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Rally%20NZ%202017%20Spec%20Map.pdf

Day 2 - Tect Park - a few cars might be missing, but at least you will see some action.

Rally Emergency number - 0800 Rallye 0800 725 593

http://followthekiwiway.org.nz/assets/PDF-documents/asking-permission-3.pdf

----------------------------------
Personally I would watch the day one on livestream (FB/ livestream?) and go to the TECT park on day 2. depending on weather or day one - go to stage 3 and watch day 2 livestream and go to the finish line.

Zeakiwi

22nd November 2017, 07:08

Hawkeswood testing for Rally NZ, could be dry and dusty in places, could favour drivers running on swept roads if the dust clears.
https://www.facebook.com/Hawkeswoodmotorsport/videos/1613267692029627/
Mazda inline 4 turbo sounds almost rotary like.
others prep for rally nz
https://www.facebook.com/358636160829964/videos/1920935817933316/ holder test - nice piece of road

https://www.facebook.com/BenHUNTMotorsport/videos/1899591506721215/ Hunt

http://bit.ly/2mOKxaN Turner
http://bit.ly/2jdFM5u Cunningham

https://www.facebook.com/haydenpaddonwrc/videos/1481097638592687/

Paddon interview with NZ media
http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2017/11/hayden-paddon-fears-new-zealand-will-never-host-a-world-rally-championship-event-again.html

raybak

24th November 2017, 20:36

Rally NZ results and livestream on now http://chrissport.co.nz/event.php?db=rallynz2017

raybak

25th November 2017, 10:12

Coverage today was fantastic. Hawkeswood with 15 second lead on Summerfield going ninto day 2. Hayden leading by plenty. Love the live feed.

Zeakiwi

25th November 2017, 21:34

Hawkeswood increased his points lead after day 1.
http://chrissport.co.nz/points/2017/nzrc2017.htm

Zeakiwi

26th November 2017, 02:42

Hawkeswood wins NZRC
https://www.facebook.com/newzealandrallychampionship/videos/1715986668432201/

Hawkeswood retrospective
https://youtu.be/bFoHtK5zmIQ Pikes Peak
https://youtu.be/dX4tMdAjT3Y Takes off roof Rally Otago
https://youtu.be/4o6sZWiPu84 Quattro replica
https://youtu.be/J27dkSHvA8k Mazda 2 maxi

Munkvy

26th November 2017, 22:37

So the NZRC is over for another year, coming into this - the final round of the championship, Andrew Hawkeswood was leading, Ben Hunt in second and Matt Summerfield in third.

Andrew Hawkeswood, who is perhaps one of the most spectacular drivers in the series proved he can also play the consistency game, and won the championship without actually winning a round of the championship outright. He certainly didn't hold back too much, with plenty of sideways action still. He completed the rally in third overall, which was enough to clinch the title.

https://thumb.ibb.co/dCXs2m/DSC03415.jpg (https://ibb.co/dCXs2m)

https://thumb.ibb.co/hDaehm/DSC03416.jpg (https://ibb.co/hDaehm)

https://thumb.ibb.co/njU0oR/DSC03390.jpg (https://ibb.co/njU0oR)

Ben Hunt, the 2015 champion had seized rear brakes that slowed him, then 3 punctures in one stage, so that knocked him out of contention. He ended up finishing the rally in 11th, and the championship in third.

https://thumb.ibb.co/kQxmTR/DSC03476.jpg (https://ibb.co/kQxmTR)

Matt Summerfield (in a much older N13 Impreza), managed to complete the rally in second overall, even with a slowly dying headgasket but he need to win the round and have some luck with where Andrew finished, to really have a chance of winning the championship. So he ended up second for the year, after winning two rounds outright:

https://thumb.ibb.co/m1aC2m/DSC03394.jpg (https://ibb.co/m1aC2m)

There was considerable tyre degradation issues on Saturday on the Raglan stages (former WRC roads). Many pictures around of completely bald rally tyres. Walking some of the roads, the surface was down to completely hard rock like surface that just ate tyres. There was also quite a bit of dust, and not a lot of wind:

https://thumb.ibb.co/dBNya6/DSC03386.jpg (https://ibb.co/dBNya6)

Adam Bligh was second in two stages, behind Paddon, in an older Evo, but had to do a temporary withdrawal with misfire issues. He however wrapped up the Class 5 championship, which is run over the first day of each round of the championship.

https://thumb.ibb.co/cKfO8R/DSC03435.jpg (https://ibb.co/cKfO8R)

https://thumb.ibb.co/dZXmTR/DSC03501.jpg (https://ibb.co/dZXmTR)

Munkvy

26th November 2017, 22:49

Max Bayley, who was third overall in the previous round, driving the Fiesta R5 for the first time, didn't have a great run, rolling about 200m from me on the first stage of the rally. So we went over and helped them out of the car and then rolled the car back over and pushed it off the road for them:

https://thumb.ibb.co/cBeuF6/DSC03411.jpg (https://ibb.co/cBeuF6)

https://thumb.ibb.co/kCuQ56/IMG_9201.jpg (https://ibb.co/kCuQ56)

https://thumb.ibb.co/mxpKXm/IMG_9191.jpg (https://ibb.co/mxpKXm)

https://thumb.ibb.co/gBAyQ6/IMG_9198.jpg (https://ibb.co/gBAyQ6)

While the damage didn't look massive, he retired rather than risking the engine.

Overall, Hayden Paddon won the rally by a massive 7mins and 28 seconds, including winning every stage and resetting a number of stage records that date back to as far as 2007 in one case.

A couple of more pics, because why not?!

https://thumb.ibb.co/drTzhm/DSC03404.jpg (https://ibb.co/drTzhm)

https://thumb.ibb.co/kxsaNm/DSC03459.jpg (https://ibb.co/kxsaNm)

https://thumb.ibb.co/ctuda6/DSC03379.jpg (https://ibb.co/ctuda6)

https://thumb.ibb.co/gmEY8R/DSC03457.jpg (https://ibb.co/gmEY8R)