Marty Bertelsen & Len Fisher

🚗 Toyota Corolla – Class D

For Marty Bertelsen, rallying has been an adventure spanning decades, countries and countless unforgettable memories.

His journey into the sport began as a passenger in a Triumph GT6 at a gravel sprint with the Triumph Car Club in the Wairarapa. Before long, he joined Levin Car Club and started co-driving for Ken Douglas in a Mazda RX-3 at the Taupō Rally.

Since then, rallying has taken Marty well beyond New Zealand's shores, with events in Kenya and Scotland adding to an already remarkable motorsport journey.

When asked about his proudest rally achievement, it wasn't a trophy that came to mind first.

"Having my daughter co-drive for me last year at our first Rally Otago was pretty special."

Of course, winning Class D at the Far North Rally is another achievement he'll always look back on with pride.

Like every seasoned rally competitor, Marty has collected plenty of stories over the years.

One that still stands out happened while servicing during Targa, out the back of Whangamōmona.

"We came across four naked shepherds fishing off a bridge beside the road. It was certainly a sight to see!" 😄

For Rally Taumarunui, Marty is looking forward to tackling another set of roads he's never competed on before.

"It's part of the North Island Rally Series, one of the closer rallies for us, and I'm looking forward to the nice flowing roads."

Alongside Marty is his long-time co-driver Len Fisher, who, at 82 years old, may well be New Zealand's oldest competing rally co-driver.

"Use it or lose it!"

The pair aren't putting pressure on themselves for results.

"We're just out to have a laugh and create memories."

Competing as part of the Bertie Fisher Rally Team, they're looking forward to another weekend of friendship, flowing roads and, in Marty's words, "a bit of sideways hooliganism."

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