2023 NZRC calendar confirmed

The 2023 New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC) calendar has been confirmed with two past events returning to the schedule.

With COVID-19 and a double-round held at Repco Rally New Zealand disrupting the past few seasons, NZRC will make the switch back to a traditional six-round calendar next year.

Familiar events will make a reappearance while adding new challenges to the mix including the season opener at Otago Rally on April 1 to 2. Roads we haven’t seen in a few years will be a part of the first round’s route north of Dunedin.

The only other two-day event on the calendar will be round two at the International Rally of Whangarei on May 12 to 14.

Both rounds three and four will be one day events consisting of Rally South Canterbury in Timaru on June 17 and Rally Hawke’s Bay in Napier on July 22.

Round five sees a return to the Coromandel for the first time since 2019 which will be held on September 2.

The 2023 season finisher will be in the Bay of Plenty which was supposed to be held in 2021 but was canceled due to COVID lockdown restrictions. The final round will take place on October 14 based out of Whakatane.

“It is great to be able to finally confirm the 2023 calendar,” Blair Bartels, NZRC Coordinator, said.

“We are delighted to see the return of an old favourite in Coromandel after missing the past few years while it is very exciting to welcome Bay of Plenty to the fold.

“Bay of Plenty was good enough to step up and help us last year and we are delighted to be able to reward them with a place on the 2023 calendar.

“Every event presents a new and unique challenge to our competitors and each rally has its own flavour that will add something different to our championship.

“We hope all competitors have an enjoyable summer and we look forward to seeing everyone at Otago in April.”

2023 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship Schedule:

_{Main image: Geoff Ridder}