Local Heroes and National Champions Throw Down in Midhirst — My Take on an Epic Day of Offroad Racing - story and photos by Philip Hagan. 

What a day out at Midhirst! From the very first heat to the final lap, we saw an awesome mix of local talent and national champions going head-to-head — and I had a front-row seat to all of it.

The Taranaki drivers really turned it on for the home crowd. Lance Fox (U70), sitting third in the Ultra4 /U championship, was gunning hard all day, clearly eyeing that podium finish. Brendon Old (333), a two-time ProBuggy /3 National Champ, was absolutely flying — especially impressive given the stacked fields, with every heat starting nine cars deep! Then there was Chris Trundle (881), a true veteran, giving none other than three-time ProTruck champ Nick Hall a serious run for his money. And young Jack Rice (1NZ), the current Junior NZ Champ, showed exactly why he’s leading KiwiModified /M after round 1, fending off constant pressure from Lachlan McWatt (M31) — it was a battle worth watching every lap!

But Midhirst wasn’t just a locals’ game — the national championship contenders came to play, and they weren’t holding back. Nick Hall (861) and Chris Trundle (881) had an epic fight all day long in ProTruck /8 — and what a show they put on. Carl Ruiterman (S22), three-time Ultra4Turbo /S champ, was in a league of his own, delivering a clinic in every heat. Peter Gordon (457), the lone Raptor /4, didn’t just show up — he dominated and walked away with another trophy. Lachlan McWatt (M31) was relentless in chasing down Jack Rice, and Daynom Templeman (193) was as unchallenged as it gets in Pro1 /1, taking every heat in stride. Meanwhile, Neil Coutts (U32/NZ2), the reigning Ultra4 /U champ, was untouchable — outright wins all day and a clear grip on the class lead.

One of the standout performances for me was Mark Goldstone in ProBuggy /3 — a former Challenger champ who’s now completely owning ProBuggy, looking unstoppable.

Daynom Templeman (193) was crushing Pro1 /1, but it wasn’t without pressure. Ash Kelly (192), piloting the ex-Tony McCall VW Cougar (with that glorious three-litre engine), was pushing hard and making Daynom work for it — great to see that intensity back in the class!

ProTruck /8 was pure fireworks. Nick Hall and Chris Trundle — wow. Whatever Chris has done to that diesel Nissan Safari, it is hauling. I still can’t get over how fast that thing was moving.

Of course, no offroad race day is complete without some carnage — cars rolling, some limping home, others just plain running out of talent. That’s offroad racing. As we say, “It is what it is.” By the third heat, we were definitely seeing the toll, with fields starting to thin out.

Ultra4Turbo /S was another fun one to watch — Carl Ruiterman might have been out front, but new kids on the block like Noah Hutchinson (S02) and Jayden Cassidy (S27) were hanging on and battling each other hard. That’s how champions are made — trial by fire!

In ProLite /5, Brad Scott and his green Cougar looked fast and clean, giving Brayden Symes (548) a good fight. And running at the same time were the Challengers and Raptors. Peter Gordon, out there as the lone Raptor, was doing the Stormtrooper name proud — taking max points both rounds. The formula seems to work for now!

Speaking of lone warriors, Arnie Jones in the Baja /9 — the ex-Maurice Bain Crumco Baja — was absolutely tearing it up with that V6 Volkswagen engine. It’s quick, it’s loud, and yeah, we’d love to see him push just a bit harder, but no complaints about watching that thing fly through the air!

KiwiTruck racing was one of my personal highlights. Two divisions — the beginner /J class for the little ones, and the KiwiModified /M for the older kids who are ready to send it. Watching Jack Rice (1NZ) and Lachlan McWatt (M31) nose-to-tail all day was next level. Lachlan was all over Jack like glue — one mistake and it was his, but Jack just wasn’t giving him an inch. Fantastic stuff.

Pro1 /1 — again, Daynom Templeman is the man to beat, but Brett Vanner (152) and Ash Kelly (192) kept him honest. Good, hard racing there.

Now, one of the best moments for me was ProTruck /8 when Nick Hall and Chris Trundle went head-to-head. Something must’ve happened to Nick in Heat 4 — maybe a tangle with Trundle? — because Nick fell back, and that opened up a whole new race. Suddenly, Daynom Templeman from Pro1 /1, starting half a lap back, was catching up to Nick. So now we had a battle between two titans from different classes — and it was on. They both dug deep, and watching them slug it out was worth the price of admission alone.

And then ProBuggy /3 — what a way to finish! Brendon Old (333) nailed it from the front row in the last heat. Eight cars left, and Brendon just left them for dust. No one even close. Mark Goldstone fought through to second, and Andrew Green (341) held third like a champ.

All in all, a cracking day. Plenty of thrills, some spills, and a whole lot of fierce racing. Can’t wait for the next round!

— for further information or any comment on this story, please contact the ORANZ Promotions Officer, Tony McCall (see website for contact details)


Event Wrap: Mickey Thompson New Zealand Off-Road Grand Prix 2025 – Round 1 of the CT Civil New Zealand Off-Road Racing Championship

Auckland, New Zealand – The 2025 Mickey Thompson New Zealand Off-Road Grand Prix lit up Auckland’s Colin Dale Park Off-Road Stadium this past weekend, marking the first round of the CT Civil New Zealand Off-Road Racing Championship. Alongside this prestigious event, the inaugural Dunlop Rally Sprint added an exciting new dimension to the action. Over 60 racers descended on the 1.2km circuit just minutes from Auckland International Airport, with perfect weather conditions contributing to an electrifying day of off-road racing and rally action.

The off-road classes offered a full spectrum of racing, from pint-sized competitors in the Kiwitruck class (aged from 6 years old) to seasoned pros in the Pro1 Unlimited Horsepower category. The crowd was treated to non-stop, high-octane racing, where every driver gave their all in the pursuit of glory.

Junior Racing Dominance by Jack Rice

In the junior races, New Zealand Off-Road Racing Champion Jack Rice (Taranaki) put on a show, dominating his rivals in every heat and the feature race. Rice, who faced off with long-time competitors Lachlan McWatt and Zac Rowberry (both from Auckland), displayed a level of skill and control that kept him ahead of the pack throughout the weekend. With this performance, Rice has solidified his position as the favourite to defend his national championship title in 2025.

Carl Ruiterman Sets Lap Record in Ultra4 Turbo Class

In the Ultra4 Turbo class, 2024 national champion Carl Ruiterman once again proved why he's at the top of his game, powering through every heat race with ease and setting a lap record of 56.001 seconds at Colin Dale Park. Ruiterman’s commanding performance left his rivals, including Aaron Rodgers and Dave Templeman, to battle it out for second and third.

In Ultra4 racing, Neil Coutts (NZ2) fought hard against Scott Mitchell and Lance Fox, eventually claiming top honours in his class.

Pro1 Showdown: Daynom Templeman Outduels Tony McCall

In Pro1, the weekend’s standout story came in the feature race. Tony McCall, the pre-race favourite, found himself under pressure from Daynom Templeman, who managed to force a mistake from McCall, ending his race early. Templeman’s strong drive saw him finish at the front, taking the win in a dramatic battle for the top spot.

ThunderTruck Battle: Nick Hall Prevails

In the ThunderTruck class, South Auckland’s Nick Hall and his immaculate ProLite race truck reigned supreme, fending off fierce competition from Lee Bishop, Shawn Dickens, and the spectacular Lincoln Whiddett in Mad Mike’s Rumbal Rotary-powered Mazda Race Truck. Hall’s consistency and precision helped him secure another victory in what has become one of the most thrilling categories of the event.

Dunlop Rally Sprint: A New Thrill for Rally Fans

On the other side of the event, the Dunlop Rally Sprint introduced a fresh element to the weekend’s excitement, with rally cars taking on the off-road circuit in head-to-head timed battles. Drivers used their rally expertise to navigate the jumps, hairpins, and tight corners of the 1.2km clay track, offering fans a different kind of spectacle.

Tinopai’s Clint Cunningham emerged as the rally sprint champion, piloting his RCK Contractors Skoda Fabia 4WD to victory with an impressive 5-lap feature time of 4:53. Pakuranga’s Nick Marshall (First Aluminium V6 Ford Lynx 4WD) finished in second with a time of 5:02. At the same time, West Auckland’s Steve Cox claimed third in his Audi Quattro with a 5:04 time. In the 2WD category, Te Kauwhata’s Chris Alexander took top honours in his Ford MK 1 Cortina.

A Challenging Day for Racers and Spectators Alike

The event took place under a scorching 30°C sun, with the heat taking its toll on both drivers and spectators. The sea breeze from the Manukau Heads provided little relief from the blistering conditions, but the large crowd still enjoyed a fantastic day of racing. With plenty of cold drinks, shade, and ice creams available, everyone found a way to stay cool and enjoy the action at one of Auckland’s premier regional parks.

A huge thank you to the event sponsors, corporate partners, and food vendors for helping to make the day a success. The 2025 Mickey Thompson New Zealand Off-Road Grand Prix has set the bar high for the season ahead, with a thrilling start to the CT Civil New Zealand Off-Road Racing Championship.

Results Summary:

  • Junior (Kiwitruck Class): Jack Rice (Taranaki) – Dominant victory in every heat and feature race
  • Ultra4 Turbo Class: Carl Ruiterman – Lap record (56.001 seconds) and dominant performance
  • Ultra4 Racing: Neil Coutts (NZ2) – First place in Ultra4 racing
  • Pro1 Racing: Daynom Templeman – Feature race win after Tony McCall’s early exit
  • ThunderTruck Racing: Nick Hall (South Auckland) – Victory in a fierce battle every race
  • Dunlop Rally Sprint – Overall Results:
    1. Clint Cunningham (Tinopai) – Skoda Fabia 4WD
    2. Nick Marshall (Pakuranga) – Ford Lynx 4WD
    3. Steve Cox (West Auckland) – Audi Quattro
    • First 2WD: Chris Alexander (Te Kauwhata) – Ford MK1 Cortina

For more information and highlights, visit the official event website or follow on social media.


Event Wrap: Mickey Thompson New Zealand Off-Road Grand Prix 2025 – Round 1 of the CT Civil New Zealand Off-Road Racing Championship

Auckland, New Zealand – The 2025 Mickey Thompson New Zealand Off-Road Grand Prix lit up Auckland’s Colin Dale Park Off-Road Stadium this past weekend, marking the first round of the CT Civil New Zealand Off-Road Racing Championship. Alongside this prestigious event, the inaugural Dunlop Rally Sprint added an exciting new dimension to the action. Over 60 racers descended on the 1.2km circuit just minutes from Auckland International Airport, with perfect weather conditions contributing to an electrifying day of off-road racing and rally action.

The off-road classes offered a full spectrum of racing, from pint-sized competitors in the Kiwitruck class (aged from 6 years old) to seasoned pros in the Pro1 Unlimited Horsepower category. The crowd was treated to non-stop, high-octane racing, where every driver gave their all in the pursuit of glory.

Junior Racing Dominance by Jack Rice

In the junior races, New Zealand Off-Road Racing Champion Jack Rice (Taranaki) put on a show, dominating his rivals in every heat and the feature race. Rice, who faced off with long-time competitors Lachlan McWatt and Zac Rowberry (both from Auckland), displayed a level of skill and control that kept him ahead of the pack throughout the weekend. With this performance, Rice has solidified his position as the favourite to defend his national championship title in 2025.

Carl Ruiterman Sets Lap Record in Ultra4 Turbo Class

In the Ultra4 Turbo class, 2024 national champion Carl Ruiterman once again proved why he's at the top of his game, powering through every heat race with ease and setting a lap record of 56.001 seconds at Colin Dale Park. Ruiterman’s commanding performance left his rivals, including Aaron Rodgers and Dave Templeman, to battle it out for second and third.

In Ultra4 racing, Neil Coutts (NZ2) fought hard against Scott Mitchell and Lance Fox, eventually claiming top honours in his class.

Pro1 Showdown: Daynom Templeman Outduels Tony McCall

In Pro1, the weekend’s standout story came in the feature race. Tony McCall, the pre-race favourite, found himself under pressure from Daynom Templeman, who managed to force a mistake from McCall, ending his race early. Templeman’s strong drive saw him finish at the front, taking the win in a dramatic battle for the top spot.

ThunderTruck Battle: Nick Hall Prevails

In the ThunderTruck class, South Auckland’s Nick Hall and his immaculate ProLite race truck reigned supreme, fending off fierce competition from Lee Bishop, Shawn Dickens, and the spectacular Lincoln Whiddett in Mad Mike’s Rumbal Rotary-powered Mazda Race Truck. Hall’s consistency and precision helped him secure another victory in what has become one of the most thrilling categories of the event.

Dunlop Rally Sprint: A New Thrill for Rally Fans

On the other side of the event, the Dunlop Rally Sprint introduced a fresh element to the weekend’s excitement, with rally cars taking on the off-road circuit in head-to-head timed battles. Drivers used their rally expertise to navigate the jumps, hairpins, and tight corners of the 1.2km clay track, offering fans a different kind of spectacle.

Tinopai’s Clint Cunningham emerged as the rally sprint champion, piloting his RCK Contractors Skoda Fabia 4WD to victory with an impressive 5-lap feature time of 4:53. Pakuranga’s Nick Marshall (First Aluminium V6 Ford Lynx 4WD) finished in second with a time of 5:02. At the same time, West Auckland’s Steve Cox claimed third in his Audi Quattro with a 5:04 time. In the 2WD category, Te Kauwhata’s Chris Alexander took top honours in his Ford MK 1 Cortina.

A Challenging Day for Racers and Spectators Alike

The event took place under a scorching 30°C sun, with the heat taking its toll on both drivers and spectators. The sea breeze from the Manukau Heads provided little relief from the blistering conditions, but the large crowd still enjoyed a fantastic day of racing. With plenty of cold drinks, shade, and ice creams available, everyone found a way to stay cool and enjoy the action at one of Auckland’s premier regional parks.

A huge thank you to the event sponsors, corporate partners, and food vendors for helping to make the day a success. The 2025 Mickey Thompson New Zealand Off-Road Grand Prix has set the bar high for the season ahead, with a thrilling start to the CT Civil New Zealand Off-Road Racing Championship.

Results Summary:

  • Junior (Kiwitruck Class): Jack Rice (Taranaki) – Dominant victory in every heat and feature race
  • Ultra4 Turbo Class: Carl Ruiterman – Lap record (56.001 seconds) and dominant performance
  • Ultra4 Racing: Neil Coutts (NZ2) – First place in Ultra4 racing
  • Pro1 Racing: Daynom Templeman – Feature race win after Tony McCall’s early exit
  • ThunderTruck Racing: Nick Hall (South Auckland) – Victory in a fierce battle every race
  • Dunlop Rally Sprint – Overall Results:
    1. Clint Cunningham (Tinopai) – Skoda Fabia 4WD
    2. Nick Marshall (Pakuranga) – Ford Lynx 4WD
    3. Steve Cox (West Auckland) – Audi Quattro
    • First 2WD: Chris Alexander (Te Kauwhata) – Ford MK1 Cortina

For more information and highlights, visit the official event website or follow on social media.