Quentin Palmer and Noel Moloney (Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) have continued their winning way, taking victory in the 2026 Rally of Waitomo.
The current Hawkeswood Mining North Island Rally Series (NIRS) champion won all six Special Stages based in the Piopio township, with Ben Huband/Dayna Kiekebosch (Subaru Impreza) second, followed by William Menzies/Doug Dolan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6).
“Pleased with the result,” said Palmer.
“First overall, even after a little tie-up with a fence in SS3, which we could have avoided. I spun and thought I could boot it, which didn’t work, so I had to back out and keep going. I didn’t think we would win that one (stage).”
Palmer’s competition first came from Gavin Feast/Hamish Feast (Subaru Impreza), who posted the second-quickest times in the first three Special Stages before retiring with a mechanical issue.
This handed the attack to Huband, who was keen to get some points after recording a DNF (did not finish) at the opening Vantage Windows & Doors Possum Bourne Memorial Rally in March.
“Waitomo is always such a good event to be part of as it is so laid back,” said Palmer.
“They are good roads, nice and flowing.”
In addition to the competition for overall NIRS points, there are eight separate Classes competing for driver and co-driver titles.
While Blair Richardson/Nikki Sim (Ford Escort Mk1) were first home in Class A (2WD:0-1300cc), Darryl McManus/Maddy Buhr (Toyota Vitz) still lead the category having finished second in class to accompany their Round 1 points.
Rising star Sam Broadbent and Matthew Broadbent (Toyota Corolla FX GT) have continued their NIRS title defence, again leading Class B (2WD 1301-1600cc) home ahead of Andrew Lowe/Ian Barr (Toyota AE101).
The Broadbent siblings were also awarded the NIRS “Drive of the Day” trophy and a $200 Winmax Brake Pad voucher sponsored by Paddon Racing Group by finishing sixth overall.
Up and coming 16-year-old Khalid Mason/Sara Mason (Ford Fiesta ST150) won Class C (1601-2000cc 2WD) and have extended their lead over Steve Dill/Adrian Sutton (Nissan Pulsar) and Dale James/Kim Raggett (Ford Fiesta ST150).
A fourth overall for Charlie Evans/Aroha Matangi (Mazda RX7) sees them third in the very competitive Class D (2WD 2000cc and over). Dave Strong/Rob Scott (Honda Civic) still lead despite finishing third behind Tony Differ/Jayson Stringer in their EX Lancer Turbo. Phillip Broadbent (Toyota Starlet) dropped out after SS3 with a mechanical problem.
Andrew Keighley/Martin Hutton (Ford Escort Mk2) have taken over the lead in Class E (Classic 2WD) with Chris Alexander/Jackson Foster (Ford Cortina) in second, while previous class leader, Brent Taylor (Ford Escort Mk2), who didn’t take the start line, holds third equal with Glenn Cameron/Brad Cameron (Mazda RX7), who were first home.
Palmer continues to lead Class F from Mason Grimmer (Mazda 323 4WD), who didn’t start the rally due to engine problems.
Having finished second overall and first in Class G (4WD 2001 and over), Ben Huband/Dayna Kiekebosch (Subaru Impreza) move into second equal with Dale Perry/Christian Iggulden (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6) while Carlin Leong (Subaru Impreza) continues to lead after rival Gavin Feast (Subaru Impreza) retired after SS3.
Kingsley Jones’ (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo3) retirement on the last stage handed the Class I (4WD Pre 1996) lead to Chris Burke/Stephen Taylor (Toyota Celica GT). First home was Shaun Wade/Haylee Wade (Mitsubishi Mirage 4WD), who sits second equal with Jones.
For the third NIRS round, teams will switch to tarmac mode in tackling the SBT Group Taranaki Tarmac Rally on 27 June 2026, run by the South Taranaki & Taranaki Car Clubs and based out of New Plymouth.
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.
Header Image: Chelsea Karl
