A challenging 191km will test New Zealand’s top rally drivers as they take on the demanding roads across the Manawatū and Rangitīkei regions for this weekend’s 13-14 September running of the Daybreaker Rally, powered by Brian Green Properties.
Starting from Palmerston North on Friday evening with the Harcourts AFC Super Special Stage at the Central Energy Trust Arena, this year’s rally promises a new level of intense competition.
Leading the charge is 2023 winner Hayden Paddon, with co-driver Jared Hudson in the Hyundai i20N. Close on their heels will be Australia’s Brendan Reeves, navigated by Kiwi Amy Hudson, also driving a Hyundai.
“It’s great to be back at the Daybreaker,” said Paddon, who recently returned to New Zealand after winning Rali Ceredigion in Wales.
“It was a successful event last year and we’d love to replicate that result. We have some tough competition with Ben (Hunt), and Robbie (Stokes) in top-form, but overall I’m just looking forward to getting back onto those magic Manawatū and Rangitīkei stages.”
Paddon is arriving early to the region to participate in promotional activities, including a rally car ride for an event volunteer and a radio station win-a-ride to school.
“Obviously, we couldn’t do what we do without the partners, volunteers and external people that make events happen,” he said. “Any opportunity we can achieve giving back to these people, rides on Wednesday for volunteers and the MoreFM ride to school visit on Thursday are part of paying it forward and thanking everyone for their support.”
All eyes will be on Waikuku’s Robbie Stokes and co-driver Ally Mackay in their Ford Fiesta. Currently leading the New Zealand Rally Championship by a single point, Stokes is in a tight battle with former champion Ben Hunt and co-driver Tony Rawstorn, who will compete in their Skoda Fabia.
It will be Stokes’s first time at the Daybreaker, and he has one simple objective: “Go faster than the people I need to is the first step but more importantly is finishing,” he said.
“For the Daybreaker, our plan is a little different as we’ve not been there before, and that’s going to make it a bigger challenge compared to our rivals that have. So it will be about keeping it simple as we are heading into unchartered territory. Obviously, we want to keep that championship lead at the end of it, but what happens in the middle is what will happen – we will do our best.”
Dunedin’s Emma Gilmour, partnered with Malcolm Read in a Citroën C3, starts from fifth position and adds further excitement to the competition. Gilmour missed last year’s event and is eager to make her mark.
“I was sad to miss Daybreaker ‘23 so am really excited to be driving at the event this year. They are fantastic roads, and I think they will really suit my WRC2 C3,” Gilmour shared.
The Daybreaker Rally serves as the fourth round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, and with the title race so close, this weekend is pivotal for those aiming to strengthen their bids for the overall crown.
In addition to the top local talent, the event welcomes an international lineup alongside former champions and rising talent, travelling from both ends of the country.
The 2024 Daybreaker Rally kicks off on Friday afternoon with a meet-the-crews and car show at The Square in Palmerston North, beginning at 4:00 pm.
Fans will have the chance to meet their favourite drivers before the cars convoy to the Central Energy Trust Arena at 5:30 pm. The evening will feature the exciting Harcourts AFC Super Special Stage, starting at 6:00 pm, where spectators can enjoy head-to-head battles from multiple vantage points.
On Saturday, rally action resumes at 4:00 am as the cars depart the venue to tackle nine gravel road stages. The route will take competitors through the picturesque Turakina Valley, heading north to Taihape, then back to Feilding for a regroup and driver signing session at Repco on Kimbolton Road from 10:30 am.
Fans can also watch the teams in action during a service stop at Manfeild.
In the afternoon, drivers will navigate the iconic Ridge Road before returning to Palmerston North for a second run of the Super Special Stage at 4:24 pm. Spectators are encouraged to watch from the Central Energy Trust Arena grandstand for the best view.
The event will conclude with a ceremonial finish and prizegiving on the infield at 5:00 pm.
