Zeal Jones and co-driver Bayden Thomson faced a weekend of highs, lows, and relentless determination at Round 3 of the 2025 Morizo Challenge Cup, Rally Asuka, held in the scenic but challenging terrain of Japan’s Nara Prefecture.
With 10 demanding special stages spread across two days, six on Day 1 and four on Day 2, the rally covered 72.40 km of competitive stages and 360 km of touring.
The first day’s 54.50 km of stages placed significant pressure on crews to establish a strong foundation early.
Coming into the event with momentum after back-to-back podium finishes, third at Mikawawan Rally and second at the Tour de Kyushu, Jones and Thomson were clear contenders for another top result in their debut MCC season.
However, the rally threw up several challenges for the Kiwi duo. Day 1 proved difficult, with a double puncture and broken rims compounding the loss of second gear late in the day.
Despite these setbacks, they managed to limp back to the service park, still holding fourth overall.
“Day 1 was quite a tough day for us, we lost second gear with two stages to go, so we nursed it through the last two and then had a double puncture, so it was an interesting tour back to the service park in the afternoon,” said Jones.
“But yeah, it was just one of those days; it is what it is: some things were avoidable, and some were not. We just had to move forward and take it on the chin.”
Despite the drama, the team found positives amid the adversity.
“We were still fourth overall on Day 1, and when we were flowing and had no issues, we were right there fighting at the front, which is where we wanted to be. So, there were still some positives, but it was hard not to be disappointed,” Jones added.
“It was frustrating for all of us, and we know it’s all there, so we regrouped and moved on to the next day in hopes we could claw our way back to the podium. There was 10 seconds to make up, but there was only 18kms the next day, so that was a tough challenge that was our main focus going into Day 2.”
Thanks to a massive overnight effort by the Cusco Racing crew, including a full gearbox change, Jones and Thomson returned to action on Sunday, ready to fight.
“Day 2 was actually a clean day, it was nice to have a clean day and just set some consistency with our times,” Jones reflected. “Unfortunately, we were third at lunchtime.
“We clawed back a good 10 seconds that we needed to and a second over the special stage, but our teammate put a blinder in on stage 9 and props to him, it’s his first podium, and we simply weren’t fast enough.”
Jones acknowledged the effort and skill of their fellow Cusco Racing teammate, who delivered standout stage times in the final two tests to edge them out of podium contention.
“He did a great drive in that one and nipped it off us for that, so fourth overall for MCC, so not really where we want to be, but considering everything that happened yesterday with losing second gear, the gearbox change and the double puncture and rims that we broke, that was all quite unfortunate. Some avoidable, some not.”
Jones and Thomson didn’t let the disappointment overshadow the efforts behind the scenes.
“A huge, massive thank you to the team for last night’s gearbox change to get us back out there. It was incredible to watch. The team did an amazing job keeping the car going all weekend.”
Despite narrowly missing a third consecutive podium by just 4.7 seconds, their performance throughout the weekend underscored their resilience and pace. In the overall field of 73 cars, the duo consistently ran in the top or midfield, with stage results ranging from 16th to 34th.
“Really just want to forget about this one and focus on the next. We have a few things up our sleeve for the next one, so hopefully that will work in our favour. We will move forward and see what we can refocus on, but we know it’s all there. When things were flying, the times were there, fighting at the front where we want to be.”
The Morizo Challenge Cup resumes June 6–8 with Round 4 at the 2025 Montre Rally in Gunma Prefecture, where Jones and Thomson will undoubtedly aim to return to the podium.
Header Image: Toyota Gazoo Racing
