The success and overwhelming support of the 2024 Daybreaker Rally, powered by Brian Green Properties, has sparked discussions about elevating the event to an even grander scale in the future, despite it not being invited to be part of the 2025 New Zealand Rally Championship calendar.
“We were notified the week prior to Daybreaker that only our Southern Lights Rally was being offered a position on the 2025 calendar,” said Paul Fallon, co-organiser of Rally Race Group (R2G).
Currently, three rounds have been confirmed for next year’s championship (Otago, South Canterbury, and Whangārei), with only R2G’s sister event, the Southern Lights Rally, offered a place in the 2025 New Zealand Rally Championship.
“We’ve been asking for a meeting since June to get the dates sorted as the Southern Lights Rally is a June event. We were promised the calendar would be announced prior to the Daybreaker and instead we are only getting an invite – and it’s mid-September,” he added.
“Planning starts well in advance—at least a year ahead—and this time is crucial to ensure road closures and maintenance are coordinated with local councils, as it impacts their ratepayers. This is critical to the event’s running and a lesson we’ve really benefited from for 2024,” said fellow organiser Tony McConachy.
The organisers are focusing on opportunities to elevate the Daybreaker Rally to a new level. The event’s integration of community groups, coupled with the international exposure it brings to the region, has attracted attention from a global brand. There are ongoing discussions about bringing one of their multi-world champion drivers to compete in a top-level car, adding further prestige to the rally.
“The positive feedback we’ve received—along with the smiles, shares, and support from the community—reinforces why we’ll continue planning for future events. While we work on securing a date, we’re confident that international recognition will grow, especially with the inclusion of world-class competition,” added Fallon.
“Our focus is on delivering an experience that benefits both the community and the competitors. We have the data and metrics that show what works, and that’s what will drive the rally’s return,” he emphasised.
McConachy concurs as he refers to some of the messages he’s been receiving: “Feedback from competitors is how they’ve enjoyed the Daybreaker and being part of the show. Plus, the way the community gets involved, the support of the Manawatū, Rangitīkei and Palmerston North City Council’s – that they’re here for the fun and adventure.
“We are disappointed an event rated such high calibre isn’t worthy of being invited to the calendar although we are enjoying the new options to build on what we started - we are going to keep delivering.”