The 2026 North Island Rally Series (NIRS) returns to Ruapehu after 26 years, with the Rally Taumarunui taking place this Saturday, 8 August 2026.
The one-day event will see the return of overall points leader Quentin Palmer/Noel Moloney (Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo) as competitors, volunteers, sponsors and spectators will come together to celebrate the return of rallying to the roads and communities that make this region so special.
“It’s a local event for us so I know most of the roads,” commented Palmer.
“I’m hoping to win being a local, but first we have got to finish.”
This has been a key to the success they have been enjoying, as they also compete in the national rally championship.
“We’ve learnt heaps this season,” said Palmer.
“It’s a first for us competing in the South Island and adjusting to their fast roads, certainly a great learning curve.”
Based in Taumarunui, the one-day event consists of 140km of classic King Country public gravel roads last used in 1999 as a NZ Rally Championship round.
Promoted by South Taranaki, Taihape District and Dannevirke Car Clubs, the event will have a National permit for its eight Special Stages while the four afternoon stages will also run with a Clubman’s permit.
Palmer and co-driver Noel Moloney (Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) have been the pair to beat this season, having won the first two rounds. Even with missing the Taranaki Tarmac Rally, the third round of the NIRS due to NZ Rally Championship commitments, they have an 18-point gap back to Tony Differ/Jayson Stringer (Mitsubishi Lancer EX Turbo), with Carlin Leong/Nathan Roa (Subaru Impreza WRX) eight points behind and just five ahead of Gavin & Hamish Feast (Subaru Impreza).
All current Class leaders will be part of the 46-car field.
Darryl McManus (Toyota Vitz) is likely to extend his lead in Class A (2WD:0-1300cc) with rival Blair Richardson having not entered due to engine issues.
Andrew Lowe/Ian Barr (Toyota AE101) took over the lead in Class B (2WD 1301-1600cc) at the last round after previous Class leaders Sam Broadbent/Matthew Broadbent (Toyota Corolla FXGT) decided not to enter. For this event, the Broadbents will be back on the start line.
It’s still a close contest in Class C (1601-2000cc 2WD). Khalid Mason/Sara Mason (Ford Fiesta ST150) were set to extend their lead at the last round, but a late retirement means they are just ten points ahead of Stephen Dill/Adrian Sutton (Nissan Pulsar GTI), with Dale James/Kim Raggett (Ford Fiesta ST) also in striking distance, 16 points behind the leaders.
Tony Differ/Jayson Stringer (Mitsubishi Lance EX Turbo) have just a seven-point lead in the hotly contested Class D (2WD 2000cc and over). Second-placed Phillip Broadbent (Toyota Starlet) will have Paul Ayres back in the co-driver’s seat for the round, with third-place Dave Strong (Honda Jazz RS) just three points adrift.
In Class E (Classic 2WD), Chris Alexander/Jackson Foster (Ford Cortina) have a commanding 17-point advantage over Andrew Keighley/Jonathan Kane (Ford Escort Mk2), who have Brent Taylor/Dave Neill (Ford Escort Mk2) just five points behind in third.
Mason Grimmer/Leighton Spurdle (Mazda Familia 4WD) are back and will give Quentin Palmer and Noel Moloney (Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) a run for their money in both Class F (4WD: 1601-1999cc) standings and the overall result.
“Mason will be the one for us to watch in his pocket-rocket,” commented Palmer.
Just two points separate Class G (4WD 2001 and over) leader Carlin Leong/Nathan Roa (Subaru Impreza WRX) and Gavin & Hamish Feast (Subaru Impreza). Throw in the mix Mitch Pilcher/Alex Parkin (Subaru Impreza), who was the first NIRS competitor home in the recently held SBT Group Taranaki Tarmac Rally.
Despite finishing behind Shaun Wade/Haylee Wade (Mitsubishi Mirage 4WD) in the Taranaki Tarmac Rally, Chris Burke/Stephen Taylor (Toyota Celica GT) have a five-point buffer in Class I (4WD: Pre 1996).
The first car starts from the Taumarunui Cosmopolitan Club carpark, Katarina
St, Service Park at 08:15, and is expected to finish at (approx.) 16:15 at the final control located back at the start.
The 2026 North Island Rally Series acknowledges and thanks these partners for their support: Hawkeswood Mining, Semog, Pure Quality Construction, Paddon Racing Group, iSignit, Ngatea Panelbeaters and Online Contractors.
Overall Points – 2026 Hawkeswood Mining North Island Rally Series (Top 10)
- Quentin Palmer 80
- Tony Differ 62
- Carlin Leong 54
- Gavin Feast 49
- Phillip Broadbent 48
- Mitch Pilcher 40
- Shaun Wade 39
- Dave Strong 38
- Samuel Broadbent 38
- Ben Huband 34
- Mason Grimmer 34
Co-Drivers Overall Points (Top 10)
- Noel Moloney 80
- Jayson Stringer 74
- Nathan Roa 57
- Fleur Pedersen 54
- Haylee Wade 46
- Matthew Broadbent 44
- Rob Scott 44
- Samuel Broadbent 40
- Stephen Taylor 37
- Jackson Foster 35
Header Image: Chelsea Karl
