A wide range of 4WD events are still being impacted by the Government’s Covid response.
Though some are able to continue, and others managed to slot in their outings before the ‘traffic lights’ turned red, there are now a number that are being postponed or even cancelled.
Safari and tag-along events are hit hard, because of the 100-person limit imposed under the red light; some sport events can go ahead; others can only go ahead without spectators.
Check the calendar here, and if in doubt make direct contact with the event organisers.
29 MAY Suzuki Extreme 4X4 Challenge
Held at 2278 SH3 Turakina, the event will feature the top 10 drivers from the 2021/2022 National 4X4 Trials season. Only the best from the NZFWDA national series drivers and 4x4 trials competition vehicles in the country are eligible. Awesome spectator viewing, live commentary, steep hills, vertical banks, massive jumps, mud and speed, combined with good food, easy spectator viewing and live commentary all makes for a fantastic day out with mates and family. Lock the date in your diaries now. Adults $20, Family $50. Hot food & refreshments will be available. For more info see: Suzuki Extreme 4x4 Challenge Facebook
5 JUNE Off Road Racing National Championship
Round 3 hosted by AORC. The Hydrovac Woodhill 100 endurance race, new 11km course in Auckland 4X4 Adventure Park. Excellent spectating, live commentary, food and drink vendors at the start-finish area. The fastest and oldest off-road race in New Zealand. www.oranz.co.nz
10-11 JUNE Mainland Winch Challenge
Round 2. Mud and Steel. For entry form, email mainlandwinching@gmail.com
8-9 JULY Mainland Winch Challenge
Round 3 Rallywoods Wellington. Email mainlandwinching@gmail.com for entry form.
16-17 JULY Off Road Racing National Championship
Round 4 and 5 hosted by Christchurch Club. Short Course and enduro (separate rounds). www.oranz.co.nz
28 AUGUST Off Road Racing National Championship
Round 6 hosted by Waikato Offroad Racing Club at TECT Park. Short Course. www.oranz.co.nz
16-18 SEPTEMBER Battle in the Bay
Ultra4 New Zealand Ultra4 race at Te Matai Motorsport TECT Park, Tauranga Bay of Plenty. The course this year is going to be a good time, technical with fast areas and some winching may be involved. There will be a winch challenge class. Entry form at www.ultra4newzealand.com/entry-form Queries and further information can be directed to www.ultra4newzealand.com website, Facebook page, phone 027 6834327 or email info@ultra4newzealand.com
22-23 OCTOBER Off Road Racing National Championship
Final round hosted by Auckland Offroad Racing Club. Short Course and Enduro over two days. www.oranz.co.nz.
11-12 NOVEMBER Xtreem dual enduro
New Zealand’s First Xtreem 4WD endurance race ‘where you have to go fast enough to win but slow enough to survive’. Dual enduro format with repair break in between. Carney’s Road, Alford Forest, 20 km west of Methven, pits and scrutineering at the site. The course is approximately 7.5km long circuit and comprises fast, flowing areas, some rough terrain, possible winch walls, valleys, rocks and mud with five bonus deviations to test teams.
The event will use the “Mainland Winch Challenge” rule book. Limited to 30 vehicles. Spectators free. Email : info@4x4events.co.nz
25 FEBRUARY 2023 Central Hawke’s Bay 4X4 Trek
Hosted by the Waipukurau Rotary Club, a one day coastal hill country trek from Omakere to Porangahau Beach. Website and Facebook page to be set up for registration. Enquiries contact Dan von Dadelszen, co-ordinator, 027 891 7659 or email carovond1950@gmail.com