Mason Grimmer & Leighton Spurdle

📍 Mazda 323 Familia 4WD – Class F

For Mason Grimmer, rallying was almost inevitable.

"Motorsport is in my blood. My Dad has been rallying since he was a teenager, so it was only a matter of time before I started driving myself."

For co-driver Leighton Spurdle, the journey into rallying began from the other side of the safety tape.

After marshalling at Pukekohe Car Club events in the mid-2000s, one ride in Allan Greer's Mk2 Escort at the Murray Road Hillclimb was all it took.

"Hooked from there on!"

Together, they've quickly become a competitive combination in the Mazda 323 Familia 4WD.

One of Mason's proudest achievements came at Rally Waitomo, where he finished an outstanding third overall in only his second-ever rally. He also treasures receiving the Don Locke Memorial Trophy at the 2023 Daybreaker Rally, an award that meant just as much to his parents as it did to him.

Leighton also has plenty to celebrate, having been part of the crew that earned a Guinness World Record as members of the world's fastest bungy crew.

Away from rallying, Mason has an unexpected passion.

"I'm a big fan of ice hockey. I love watching the NHL, especially during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It's a bit of a weird obsession considering I've never actually ice skated or played hockey!"

As for Rally Taumarunui, Mason is excited to get back on the gravel.

"I'm looking forward to rallying somewhere different. The last time this event was held I hadn't even been born yet, which is pretty crazy! I've heard great things about the roads, so I'm keen to see what all the fuss is about."

Leighton couldn't resist sharing one more interesting fact about his driver.

"His overalls once belonged to Markko Märtin. I won them at auction after Markko's special guest appearance at Rally Otago."

And, of course, there's still one story that always gets a laugh.

"We met in a random field in Te Akau... and one day a drunk Scottish fulla asked Mason for a selfie because he thought he was Max Verstappen!" 😄

With a talented young driver, an experienced co-driver, and plenty of personality between them, Mason and Leighton will be a crew to watch as they tackle the famous King Country roads.

Please join us in welcoming Mason and Leighton to Rally Taumarunui, and be sure to give them a wave when you see the Mazda 323 Familia 4WD out on the stages! 👋🏁