Chris Burke & Stephen Taylor

📍 Toyota Celica – Class I

For Chris Burke and co-driver Stephen Taylor, rallying all started with one simple question.

"Chris asked, 'Do you want to come for a ride in a rally car?' It turns out he wasn't offering me shotgun for a Sunday drive... and I've been reading pace notes ever since!"

Since then, the pair have shared plenty of unforgettable moments together, including one that sits proudly at the top of Stephen's list.

"Winning the Clubman's section at the Ventia Rally of Dargaville Tūnatahi. Standing on the podium spraying champagne over Chris was a surreal moment—years of watching WRC and Formula 1 podium celebrations had finally become valuable life experience!"

Like most rally crews, they've also had their fair share of memorable mishaps.

"Getting lost on the way to the very first time control of our first Rally of Waitomo before we'd even started was pretty memorable! There's usually a moment of laughter on every rally from something we see, run over or hit."

When asked what might surprise people, Stephen had a confession.

"I'm the co-driver, I love motorsport and cars... but I have absolutely no idea what happens under the bonnet! I know where to top up the oil, radiator and windscreen washer, and that's about the extent of my mechanical knowledge!"

So why Rally Taumarunui?

"Simple—new roads, a new event for us, and another chance to spend a day driving roads most people only ever travel at the legal speed limit."

They're also looking forward to discovering the famous King Country stages, seeing the local fans out in force, catching up with fellow competitors, and—hopefully—bringing the Toyota Celica home in one piece with another great story to tell.

Stephen couldn't resist sharing a little insight into his driver.

"Chris has two speeds: 'committed' and 'more committed.' Fortunately he also has the talent to match. My job is simply to tell him what's coming next... and occasionally remind him to turn the headlights on before we enter tunnels!"

At the end of the day, Chris and Stephen say they're simply "a couple of good mates who love rallying."

"We take the competition seriously, but never ourselves."

That probably sums up the spirit of grassroots rallying better than anything else.

Please join us in welcoming Chris and Stephen to Rally Taumarunui, and be sure to give them a wave when you see the Toyota Celica out on the stages! 👋🏁