What Is 2022 New Zealand Rally Championship

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022 New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC) consisted of 6 rounds held between February and October 2022, with Ben Hunt winning the Drivers' title and Hayden Pritchard the 2WD Cup. The season featured mixed surface rallies across both North and South Islands.

Key Facts

The 2022 NZRC season included 6 competitive rounds from February to October.
Ben Hunt won the 2022 Drivers' Championship driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.
Hayden Pritchard claimed the 2WD Cup title in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX.
Rounds were held on gravel and tarmac surfaces across both North and South Islands.
The championship awarded points based on a 20-15-12-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 system for top 11 finishers.

Overview

The 2022 New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC) marked the 54th season of the premier rally competition in New Zealand, featuring high-speed competition across diverse terrains. The championship attracted top local and international rally drivers, competing in both tarmac and gravel events throughout the country.

Organized by Motorsport New Zealand, the 2022 season emphasized accessibility and competitive balance, with categories for both high-powered Rally2 cars and production-based 2WD vehicles. The season's structure allowed drivers to accumulate points across six events, culminating in a clear champion based on consistent performance.

Round 1: The season kicked off with the Rally of Whangarei on February 18–20, featuring fast gravel stages in Northland forests.
Round 2: The Otago Rally took place from May 6–8 in the South Island, known for its high-speed gravel roads and unpredictable weather.
Round 3: The International Rally of Coromandel occurred on June 17–19, combining tarmac and gravel stages in the rugged Coromandel Peninsula.
Round 4: The Rally Southland was held from August 19–21, featuring remote gravel stages in the southernmost region of New Zealand.
Round 5: The Canterbury Rally ran from September 16–18, showcasing fast forest roads near Christchurch on the South Island.

How It Works

The NZRC scoring and classification system is designed to reward consistency and speed across varied conditions. Each round contributes to the overall championship standings, with multiple categories ensuring broad participation.

Championship Format: The 2022 season consisted of 6 rounds, each lasting 2–3 days with 10–15 special stages; only the best 5 results counted toward the final tally.
Scoring System: Points were awarded on a 20-15-12-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 scale for the top 11 finishers in each round, with additional points for stage wins.
Vehicle Classes: The championship featured Rally2 and 2WD Cup categories, allowing both advanced and amateur drivers to compete.
Driver Eligibility: Competitors needed a valid Motorsport New Zealand license and compliance with FIA safety standards for vehicle homologation.
Co-Driver Role: Each team included a co-driver responsible for pace notes and navigation, critical for success on high-speed gravel stages.
Surface Types: Events alternated between gravel and tarmac surfaces, testing driver adaptability and car setup across different conditions.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 2022 NZRC with the 2021 and 2023 seasons:

Feature	2021 Season	2022 Season	2023 Season
Number of Rounds	5	6	6
Champion	Hayden Pritchard	Ben Hunt	Ben Hunt
Championship Car	Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX	Toyota GR Yaris Rally2	Toyota GR Yaris Rally2
2WD Cup Winner	Chris West	Hayden Pritchard	Chris West
Final Round Location	Canterbury	Canterbury	Wairapara

The 2022 season represented a return to full strength after pandemic-related disruptions in 2020–2021, with all six planned rounds completed successfully. The expansion from five to six rounds in 2022 improved competitive balance and driver participation, setting a benchmark for future seasons.

Why It Matters

The 2022 NZRC played a vital role in developing rally talent and promoting motorsport culture across New Zealand. Its success influenced regional tourism, vehicle development, and international recognition of local drivers.

Talent Pipeline: The championship served as a proving ground for drivers aiming to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC) or APRC events.
Economic Impact: Each rally brought approximately 3,000–5,000 visitors to host regions, boosting local economies through tourism and hospitality.
Manufacturer Involvement: Brands like Toyota and Mitsubishi used the series to test performance vehicles in real-world conditions.
Safety Advancements: The 2022 season implemented enhanced FIA safety protocols, reducing accident rates by 18% compared to 2020.
Media Exposure: Events were streamed live via Speedcafe.com and covered by national broadcasters, increasing visibility.
Youth Engagement: The NZRC partnered with schools and clubs to promote STEM education through motorsport technology.

By combining competitive rigor with community engagement, the 2022 New Zealand Rally Championship reinforced its status as a cornerstone of New Zealand motorsport, setting a strong precedent for future seasons.