Bryn Jones is firmly focused on the ultimate prize in 2025 – winning the New Zealand Rally Championship in his class.
The Waikato-based driver has impressed over the past couple of seasons competing in the NZRC 2WD class, but Dylan Thomson has completely dominated that category.
But Thomson’s absence this season opens the door for Jones to make a serious run at the title.
“I don’t think it necessarily changes a thing,” Jones said.
“There are not many people in our class, but we have widened our approach to the overall 2WD championship now.
“When you have the likes of Tim Mackersy and Deane Buist – two really competitive people in their own right – we feel we can be competitive with them.
“The championship is a bit of a personal pride.”
Jones endured a mixed season last year—his first full campaign in his Ford Fiesta Rally 4 car—combining a couple of strong finishes with a couple of rallies ruined by mistakes.
He has worked hard on the mental approach to his rallying in the build-up to 2025.
“It has been a very difficult last 12 months – I am not going to deny that,” he admitted.
“We’ve got to do our job. I’d like to put some good results this year and come away with the big prize.
“A couple of driver mistakes, but when you’re playing on the wild side, these things can happen.
“It is not necessarily down to the car – I have done a lot of work in the off-season getting myself mentally prepared for this season.”
And what does the long-term future hold for a talented youngster that absolutely lives and breathes rallying?
“We are always looking into things and doing research into other projects. At this stage, nothing is set in stone – we are still very focused on the national championship at this point.
“We will see what happens over the next few months about what developments we might have.”
Header Image: Geoff Ridder
