About the NIRS
Launched December 1 2022
The North Island Rally Series (NIRS) launched on December 1, 2022, reigniting the spark of grassroots rallying in the North Island after an 8-year hiatus formerly known as the Top Half and Central Region Rally Series.
OUR MISSION
Collaboration, transparency, and timely communication. We engage and consult, treating our competitors like customers, round organizers as key clients, and sponsors as business partners.
Our approach is inclusive, innovative, and open to fresh ideas, all while upholding excellence with respect, courtesy, and professionalism. Operated by dedicated volunteers on a not-for-profit basis, we take immense pride in the passion and mahi our community has invested into the series, driving its success and spirit forward.
OUR ETHOS
By reinstating these critical steps, we are reigniting the sport’s growth and creating a strong foundation for future champions. This revitalized approach is attracting new competitors, officials, and volunteers while re-establishing a vital training ground to nurture talent and sustain the sport’s legacy.
Marty Roestenburg Chairman, Rob Scott Treasurer, David Hedge Promotional, Colin Smith.
2023
The Breakout year for the NIRS…
The NIRS launched to a six-round series, driving rally participation to new heights. From a solitary Clubman’s Rally in 2022, we surged to four in 2023 and introduced Rally Sprint Events, calculated on cumulative run times, to bolster the total rounds in the series. This season was filled with adrenaline-pumping action and incredible milestones.
The introduction of events like the Taranaki Tarmac Rally, Maramarua Rally, and Bay of Plenty brought a wave of fresh excitement to the rally calendar. Each event presented unique challenges: Taranaki’s unforgiving tarmac, Maramarua’s forest grit, and Bay of Plenty’s mixed-surface stages demanded skill, adaptability, and determination from drivers and co-drivers alike.
The spirit of camaraderie within the NIRS community was truly remarkable. Sister car clubs collaborated and pooled resources to overcome challenges and support one another’s events. The success of these rallies is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and the steadfast support of our sponsors and participants.
2023 was more than just a collection of rallies—it was a year of growth, innovation, and unity. With each event, we built stronger foundations, forged unforgettable memories, and proved that with determination and teamwork, the NIRS can achieve remarkable things.
2024
Nothing short of electrifying…
Against the odds we successfully delivered a five-round series that showcased over 100 drivers and co-drivers, launched a groundbreaking novice and rookie mentoring initiative, and brought back the Taranaki Tarmac Rally, Waitomo Rally, and a standout favourite was the new format Dargaville Rally. The novice and rookie mentoring initiative provided invaluable guidance and coaching to new competitors, ensuring a bright future for the sport.
This year saw the return of these iconic events, each contributing its unique flavour to the rally calendar. The Taranaki Tarmac Rally pushed drivers to their limits with unforgiving asphalt twists and turns, while the gravel stages in Bay of Plenty demanded a perfect blend of precision and courage. Dargaville’s mixed-surface stages provided a true test of versatility and skill, challenging even the most experienced competitors. The season ended with a fast and dusty finish with a return to the Waitomo district.
The NIRS team continued innovating, promoting the double permit model to accommodate Clubman’s and national permit rally enthusiasts. This strategic move broadened our reach, attracting a diverse range of competitors and elevating each event into a thrilling spectacle for fans and participants alike.
Our community’s hard work and dedication shone through in the seamless execution of each event. From meticulous planning and coordination to the enthusiastic participation of drivers, co-drivers, and volunteers, 2024 was a testament to what we can achieve when united by a shared passion for rallying.
As we look ahead to 2025, the excitement is palpable. New challenges and opportunities are on the horizon, promising to push the North Island Rally Series to even greater heights.
In short, 2024 wasn’t just a season, it was a statement. The NIRS has returned stronger and more vibrant than ever, powered by a community ready to conquer whatever the road may bring.
