History 1970s

1978 Rally New Zealand (New Zealand)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1978 Rally New Zealand

Date: September 2–5, 1978

Host Country: New Zealand

Surface: Gravel

FIA Cup Status: Round of the 1978 FIA Cup for Drivers

Total Distance: ~1,600 km

Total Starters: Approx. 80 crews

Total Finishers: N/A

Held across New Zealand’s beautiful and remote North Island terrain, the 1978 Rally New Zealand was a key round in the FIA Cup for Drivers. With flowing gravel roads, constantly changing grip, and unpredictable spring weather, the rally rewarded smoothness and endurance. British duo Russell Brookes and Mike Broad delivered a masterclass in pace and consistency in their Ford Escort RS1800 to claim victory against a strong local and international field.

Route

Waikato & Bay of Plenty Regions: Fast and cambered gravel roads with varying surface depth and surprising slick spots.
Te Urewera and Kaingaroa Forests: Narrow forestry roads with tight bends, crests, and hidden hazards.
Mountain Loops: Mist, rain, and sudden altitude changes made tire choice and rhythm critical to avoid off-road excursions.

The route snaked through forests, farmland, and mountain ranges around Rotorua and Taupō, offering some of the world’s most scenic rallying terrain.

Conditions ranged from dry and dusty to slick and muddy, sometimes within a single stage—demanding adaptable driving styles and cautious pace notes.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Russell Brookes & Mike Broad · Ford Escort RS1800
2nd Place
Blair Robson & John Fenton · Mitsubishi Lancer GSR
3rd Place
Neal Allport & Alan Whyte · Mazda RX-3

Brookes and Broad’s teamwork and clean driving earned them a hard-fought international win, helping to elevate their FIA Cup campaign and gaining recognition among the Southern Hemisphere rallying elite.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Variable Grip: Gravel surface changed rapidly between stages—drivers needed to constantly adapt their approach.
  • Long Transits: Remote locations and long liaisons made planning and mechanical reliability essential.
  • Weather Shifts: Springtime conditions brought mist, rain, and sunshine all in the same loop—demanding precise tire strategy.

The 1978 Rally New Zealand provided a scenic but serious test of rally skill—Brookes and Broad’s triumph was a highlight of the FIA Cup season and a testament to international teamwork on foreign ground.

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