Despite some of the teams not being part of this year’s New Zealand Rally Championship or the North Island Rally Series, the Dayle ITM Gold Rush Rally of Coromandel, set for Saturday, 23 August, has attracted an impressive lineup of non-championship entrants, even one with an international rally campaign.
Long recognised for its scenic gravel stages and warm welcome from the Whitianga locals, the Coromandel event has retained its strong pulling power, drawing a mix of national-level names and club competitors.
For many, the 2025 edition offers a rare chance to enjoy the competition without the pressure of championship standings, but that doesn’t mean the pace will be any less fierce.
Leading the non-NZRC, non NIRS 4WD teams will be past NZRC Cat5 Champion and regular Japanese Rally competitor Zeal Jones, partnered for this event with a name from past campaigns and titles, Matty Sayers.
They will be in Zeal’s familiar white Subaru WRX for this event and could easily make the top 8 overall with a good run.
The 2nd seed in the 4WD non-championship cars is the lower North Island pairing of Dan Cowper / Andrew Beilby in their Subaru WRX and the tussle for the podium will be fought out by Dale Perry / Christian Iggulden (Mitsubishi EVO6) with George Feast / Mark Bastin (Subaru WRX) and Rob Darrington / Mal Peden in the stunning Toyota GR Yaris.
The 2WD non-championship field will be anyone’s pick. Seeded first is the pairing of Lukas Ramsey / Olivia Robinson in the high-revving Ford Fiesta R2. The podium will be fought out by Whitianga local Miles McElwain / Mike Bunyard in the spectacular yellow Toyota Corolla.
Following them is Rodney James / Adam Millar in their Toyota MR2, and then the pairings of Russell Jenkins / Murray Mannion (Toyota Corolla) and Harvey Semmens / Geoff Johnson in a blast from the past, a Ford Escort Mk1.
The one-day format remains, with competitors tackling some of the most enjoyable and technical roads in the country. The rally base in Whitianga will once again serve as the heart of the event, with spectator-friendly access to service parks and the final super stage.
“We’re excited to showcase what this rally is all about – pure competition, incredible roads, and a great vibe,” says Chairman Simon Bell.
“It’s shaping up to be a highlight having the return of the Dayle ITM Gold Rush Rally of Coromandel back in Whitianga.”
Spectators are encouraged to follow the rally’s social media channels and website for stage maps, schedules, and live updates on the day.
- Live streaming of selected stages is available via the NZRC Facebook page or on YouTube via www.nzrc.tv
- Live Results are available via www.chrissport.nz/
- Maps and Timings are available HERE
Header Image: Geoff Ridder
