After 17 incredible seasons in New Zealand rallying, Ben Hunt, one of the sport’s modern greats, has announced his retirement from full-time competition in the New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC).
Hunt leaves the championship as a four-time national champion and back-to-back title winner, cementing his legacy among the country’s rally elite.
Reflecting on his career, Hunt shared a heartfelt message with fans, teammates, and sponsors:
“After 17 incredible seasons, it’s time. Walking away as back‑to‑back champions with 4 titles, now feels like the right moment to close my NZRC chapter. This has never been just about me. It’s about the best mate who’s guided me through every corner and over every blind crest. It’s about the crew in the shed late into the night or in the service park when things went sideways, and a team that has truly become family. These friendships we’ve built mean more to me than any of the trophies collected.
“To my family of sponsors: your loyalty has been the backbone of my journey. Having your full backing right up to this final flying finish means the world to me, and I can’t thank you enough for supporting and understanding my decision to step back.
“It’s now time for me to be more present at home. My family has sacrificed so much to let me chase these wins, and it’s time I give that back to them. I still love this sport too much for this to be a final goodbye, and I’m excited to see what opportunities come along to get me back out on the gravel. Cheers for the ride. It’s been an absolute blast.”
Hunt’s career is distinguished by consistent success and determination across New Zealand’s gravel stages. He won his first NZRC title in 2015, driving a Subaru WRX STI, before adding a second championship in 2019. More recently, Hunt drove a Skoda Fabia Rally2, claiming the NZRC crown in 2024, and capped his career with a fourth championship in 2025, finishing the season as a back-to-back title winner.
Throughout his career, Hunt was known not only for his speed and technical skill but also for the relationships he built with co-drivers, mechanics, crews, and sponsors. In his statement, he highlighted the importance of these bonds, saying that the friendships and support behind the scenes were as valuable as the trophies themselves.
As Hunt steps away from full-time competition, he emphasises that his passion for rallying remains strong. While his family and sponsors will see him more at home, he hints at a future return to the sport in some capacity, leaving the door open for new opportunities on the gravel.
With four national titles, numerous rally victories, and a reputation for dedication and professionalism, Ben Hunt’s impact on New Zealand rallying is indelible. Fans and competitors alike will remember him as a driver who combined talent, determination, and heart, leaving a legacy that will inspire the next generation of Kiwi rally champions.
Header Image: Ambush
