All to play for in Mainland Rally Championship finale at Waimate Rally this weekend

This Saturday’s inaugural 2026 Waimate Rally run by the Autosport Club will decide the overall and Class titles for the 2026 Mainland Rally Championship (MRC). The one-day event comprises approximately 80 kms of Special Stages and 135 kms of touring in the Port Blakely Forest Estate and the public roads of the Waimate District.

Deane Buist (Toyota Trueno), currently second overall, is in the box-seat to win the championship with several top rivals not entered. Current leader Jack Stokes’ accident last weekend at Rally Whangarei sees him on the sideline along with Ari Pettigrew who is fourth overall. Having won the Subaru H6 Cup Rally Series, third placed Thomas Paul has not entered, nor has Robbie Stokes and Josh Silcock.

Sean Haggarty Matt Jones (Suzuki Swift Subuki) photo Terry Marshall — **Sean Haggarty/Matt Jones (Suzuki Swift Subuki) – photo Terry Marshall**

With 30-points on the line for the win, this leaves Harri Silcock/Mark Greenwood (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6) and Sean Haggarty (Suzuki Swift Subuki) within striking distance 11 and 25-points respectively behind Buist.

Seven separate MRC Class titles for both drivers and co-drivers are being contested across five rounds this season with one round allowed to be dropped from the points table (4 from 5 Rounds).

Mike Matheson/Kevin Brockie (Toyota Vitz) continue to lead Class A (2WD 0-1300cc) from Maurite Balzarini who is not running in the event.

**Mike Matheson (Toyota Vitz) continues to lead Class A (2WD 0-1300cc) – photo Euan Cameron**

Although Josh Silcock/Ben Leech (Ford Fiesta R2) have not entered this round, they are set to take the Class B (2WD 1301-1600cc) title. Second placed Rory Lawn (Toyota Starlet) has also not entered which should see Pat Norris (Toyota Corolla AE86) move up from third.

Deane Buist (Toyota Trueno) is on track to win Class C (2WD 1600cc and over) while Harri Silcock and Sean Haggarty will fight for Class D (4WD) honours.

Nigel King (Mitsubishi Lancer) has already wrapped up the Class E (Pre 2000 4WD) title as has Thomas Paul with Class H (Subaru H6),

The 2026 Mainland Rally Championship has the support of RDL Performance, Brita Safety Ltd, Palmside NZ Ltd, Christchurch Building and Decorating Ltd, Thomson Rust and Repair Services Ltd, Rally Drive NZ.

Mainland Rally Championship Overall Points after 4/5 rounds(Top 15)
1/ Jack Stokes 90
2/ Deane Buist 76
3/ Thomas Paul 75
4/ Ari Pettigrew 72
5/ Harri Silcock 64
6/ Robbie Stokes 54
7/ Sean Haggarty 50
8/ Josh Silcock 49
9/ James McIver 41
10/ Rory Lawn 40
11/ Andrew Sim 38
12/ Josh Keighley 37
12/ Nigel King 37
14/ Caleb MacDonald 35
15/ Dylan Thomson 32