He is a name familiar to many who know the Begg cars and their stories.
Star driver Brett Riley will be back on the track at the 2025 George Begg Festival, competing for the first time in more than 20 years.
Riley gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in touring car racing.
His notable achievements include winning the New Zealand Touring Car Championship (NZTCC) title in 1991 and being a key driver for the BMW Motorsport NZ team, which dominated the championship scene in the mid-1990s.
He joins already confirmed Brendon Leitch, Hayden Paddon, Greg Murphy, Emma Gilmour, Paul Radisich, Jonny Reid and Kayne Scott.
This year will be his first time at the George Begg Festival, but his association with the Begg vehicles, particularly the 1973 George Begg JM1, makes it all the more special.
Originally driven by Jim Murdoch, arguably the greatest moment for this car came when it was purchased by Brett’s father John for him to drive.
Brett Riley started in 31 races and won 25 of them – a remarkable record that sparked the young man’s passion and later success, including being a teammate of Nigel Mansell in a British FM3 team.
He’s looking forward to feeling 21 again, reuniting with the 1973 George Begg JM1.
He’s also counting down to being back behind the wheel of a race car.
“Twenty-two years ago, was the last time I actually raced a car,” he said.
It was about the same tenure that last time he had been to Invercargill, so he was excited to be travelling to the deep south for the three-day festival.
“I’m looking forward to returning south.”
Keen to see Brett Riley in action at the 2025 George Begg Festival, tickets are available for purchase here.
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