History 1990s

1995 Rally New Zealand (New Zealand)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1995 Rally New Zealand (New Zealand)

Date: June 29 – July 2, 1995

Start Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Finish Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Total Distance: 396.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1995 Rally New Zealand was an intense rally that tested both car control and navigation. Possum Bourne, driving a Subaru Impreza 555, emerged as the winner after three days of fast, gravel-based stages through New Zealand’s scenic countryside. Bourne's consistency and excellent tire management through slippery sections made him the standout performer, despite the tough competition from other WRC stars.

Route

Whangarei: High-speed gravel stages that rewarded drivers with precise cornering and excellent car balance.
Rotorua: A more technical stage with tight bends and slippery surfaces, challenging drivers’ car control under braking.
Te Puke: A classic New Zealand stage, featuring long, smooth gravel roads with frequent high-speed corners that tested both handling and tire grip.

The rally’s stages stretched across New Zealand’s North Island, offering a mix of fast, flowing gravel roads and tight, technical sections that required both skill and strategy:

The rally conditions were challenging, with a mix of dry gravel and damp sections that required quick adaptations from teams, especially in the slippery corners where tire grip was at a premium.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Possum Bourne & Tony Sircombe · Subaru Impreza 555
2nd Place
Colin McRae & Derek Ringer · Subaru Impreza 555
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185

Bourne’s superb control on New Zealand’s gravel roads allowed him to edge out McRae and Sainz. Despite the strong competition, Bourne’s tire management and pace through the later stages secured him the victory in one of the most challenging rallies of the season.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Speed and Control: The high-speed sections of the rally demanded precise car control, while the technical sections required skillful braking and tire management.
  • Weather Variability: Although the conditions were mostly dry, certain stages were affected by damp gravel and mud, testing tire choice and car setup.
  • Team Coordination: The rally’s long and demanding stages meant that both drivers and co-drivers had to work seamlessly to ensure no time was lost through navigation errors.

The 1995 Rally New Zealand was a defining moment for Possum Bourne, who showed his ability to handle the tough, fast gravel roads of New Zealand and secure a deserved victory. His win was a demonstration of the skill required to succeed in one of the most challenging rallies of the season.

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