Darryl McManus & Gordon Legge

🚗 Toyota Vitz Rally – Class A

For Darryl McManus, rallying has been a lifelong passion—but becoming a rally driver is a dream that took decades to fulfil.

Originally from Christchurch, Darryl grew up immersed in motorsport. His father and two brothers were avid followers of circuit racing and rallying, while his older brother campaigned Mk1 and Mk2 Ford Escorts with Darryl lending a hand as part of the service crew.

"Back then, rallies started on a Friday night and finished on Saturday or Sunday. We chased them all over Canterbury."

At the age of 20, Darryl moved to Sydney, where life took him in a different direction.

For the next 34 years, he became heavily involved in competitive sailing, progressing to Club, State and National Race Officer roles before spending the final decade with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, helping manage some of the world's most famous yacht races, including the Sydney to Hobart.

When Darryl returned to New Zealand in 2016, motorsport found him once again.

Joining the volunteer group RSQKRU, he became involved in recovery, fire intervention, timing and event operations at rallies and Targa events. It was there he met Helen and Mike Cameron, who encouraged him to earn his co-driver's licence.

In 2025, Darryl co-drove in the Mainland Rally Series, finishing third in Class A.

When the opportunity arose to buy a rally car from Gordon Legge, Gordon didn't just sell him the Toyota Vitz—he climbed into the co-driver's seat as well.

Now, in what is his first full season as a rally driver, Darryl has already exceeded his own expectations.

After contesting the opening two rounds of the North Island Rally Series, he currently leads Class A, while also finishing second in Class A at the 50th Anniversary Rally Otago.

"It's certainly by finishing, not by skill!" he jokes with typical humility.

Yet Darryl says his proudest achievement isn't a trophy.

"It's the camaraderie of the rally family. It doesn't matter how much money or sponsorship you have—it's about like-minded people enjoying the sport together."

He is also quick to acknowledge the people helping him along the way.

"I feel humbled to have Gordon Legge as my co-driver. He brings a wealth of knowledge, and I'm incredibly grateful for my service crew, Mal Clunie and Mark Hunter, as well as the support from Repco Christchurch, The Tool Shop Tauranga and Limitless Tyres."

Looking ahead to Rally Taumarunui, Darryl is excited to tackle another challenging event on roads he's heard so much about.

"I'm really looking forward to Taumarunui. I believe it'll be a great challenge and another fantastic round of the series."

His story is proof that it's never too late to chase a dream.

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