With some pre event testing now under his belt, Shane van Gisbergen seems at home very quickly in the Giltrap Group Audi S1 AP4 rally car he’s piloting for the remainder of the New Zealand Rally Championship. Images: Geoff Ridder

The car is traditionally driven by local racer, Dylan Turner, who started the season in Otago, but a fuel pump issue saw him retire early. The issue resolved, SVG has made some minor adjustments to suit his technique and is impressed with the car’s capabilities.

“We’ve made a few changes to the car it’s feeling great! Good to have Westo (Glen Weston) back in the car again too” Van Gisbergen said following testing.

Of course the big leveller this weekend may be the recent weather events. Torrential rain will have soaked the clay and mud beneath the gravel. The surfaces will deteriorate considerably with cars sliding around looking for grippy patches, as some stages will be run twice, it will be a slippery affair.

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This will suit smoother, less aggressive driving. While Shane loves to steer on the throttle, his circuit racing will absolutely be beneficial in the dicey conditions, as will his natural talent for car control.

If SVG is to see success at Whangarei, it won’t be a walk in the park. Full time professional rally driver, Hayden Paddon (Hyundai i20) and former NZ rally champion Ben Hunt (Skoda Fabia R5) both love the Far North roads and will also be ones to watch this weekend.

There are subtle differences between the WRC 2 / R5 specification cars of Padden and Hunt over the domestic spec AP4 S1 van Gisbergen is piloting, but by in large it will be a very close match.

The Rally of Whangarei has proven popular with drivers and attracts talent from all over the world. This year, US businessman, action sportsman and former Whangarei winner, Ken Block, will have his memory honoured with a perpetual trophy to be awarded at this year’s International Rally of Whangārei.

Block, an Audi ambassador who sadly lost his life earlier this year in a recreational accident, contested multiple New Zealand Rally Championship events. Of his three visits to Whangārei he won the national category title in 2015. His last appearance was in 2019.

It’ll be a special moment if Shane can secure the inaugural Ken Block Trophy in an Audi.