Karl Douglas & Nikki Sim

🚗 Subaru Impreza WRX STI – Class G

For Karl Douglas, rallying has been a lifelong passion shaped by some unforgettable experiences.

Growing up in Pukekohe, motorsport was always close to home.

"My neighbour worked on Possum Bourne's team, so getting to know the legend was quite special."

Like many Kiwi rally fans, Karl spent the early 1990s spectating at the World Rally Championship when it visited New Zealand. One memory has stayed with him ever since.

"We were watching from behind a strainer post on a fast kink. Everything was fine until Colin McRae arrived completely crossed up at speed! We took cover, and afterwards found his wheel marks were only about a foot from the post." 😄

It was an experience that only fuelled his passion for the sport.

Although Karl had always admired Subarus, it wasn't until a friend handed him the keys to an RS Legacy in the mid-1990s that he was truly hooked.

"I'd never driven a turbo car before, and with an engine built by Snow Mooney, the passion was cemented."

In 2005, Karl purchased an ex-Leigh Marston 1993 Subaru WRX rolling shell from Ray Wilson and built the car himself.

That same year, alongside co-driver Damian van Heusen, he contested his first event—the Kemp Road Hillclimb—finishing an impressive 4th overall and 3rd in class.

Since then, Karl has enjoyed many memorable rallies, including competing on the legendary Rotorua International Rally and its iconic Motu stage, while also recording top-ten finishes at events such as the Rally of the North, Gisborne, and Taranaki.

But for Karl, rallying has always been about more than results.

"Being involved in the rally community, surrounded by clever, passionate and welcoming people, is something I really enjoy."

After campaigning his Version 8 Subaru Impreza WRX STI for the past 17 years, Karl returns to competition at Rally Taumarunui alongside a new co-driver, Nikki Sim.

"I haven't competed in a rally since 2022, so I'm really looking forward to the challenge of tackling the Taumarunui roads."

With an iconic Subaru, a new co-driver partnership, and some of New Zealand's best gravel roads ahead, Karl and Nikki will be ready to enjoy every kilometre of Rally Taumarunui.

Please join us in welcoming Karl and Nikki to Rally Taumarunui, and be sure to give them a wave when you see the Subaru Impreza WRX STI out on the stages! 👋🏁