Sam Broadbent & Matthew Broadbent

📍 Toyota Corolla FXGT – Class B

For brothers Sam and Matthew Broadbent, rallying has always been a family affair.

Their first taste of the sport came at just 12 years old, co-driving for their dad in his Mitsubishi Evo at local hillclimbs. Matthew's first event was on Rotokohu Road in an Evo 3, while Sam's debut came on Woodlands Road in an Evo 8.

From that moment, they were hooked.

"The sound of the cars, the smell of avgas, and the atmosphere of rallying—we loved it all."

Although rallying had always been part of their lives, it wasn't until around 2021 that they fully immersed themselves in the sport. Before long they had their own cars, and in 2024 teamed up in their white Toyota Corolla FXGT, competing in rallysprints before stepping up to rallying this season.

One of Sam's proudest moments came at the Ponganui Road Rallysprint.

"It was my very first rallysprint in Dad's Evo 8, and I was under strict instructions not to crash it! Somehow, after the third run, I found myself leading the event overall—even ahead of a New Zealand Rally Championship champion. Instead of crashing it though... I managed to blow up the engine on the fourth run!"

Now they're looking forward to taking on the legendary roads of Rally Taumarunui.

"A new rally brings new challenges, new roads and a different adventure. We're looking forward to learning the flow of the Taumarunui roads, adapting as quickly as possible and pushing ourselves to the absolute limit."

But there's one goal that's even more important than the results.

"As always... BEAT DAD!"

The brothers have managed to finish ahead of their father at every round so far this season and are hoping to make it three from three. They know he'll be bringing his A-game after a strong result at the last rally—but they're more than ready for the challenge.

Whether they're chasing family bragging rights or simply enjoying another day on some of New Zealand's best gravel roads, one thing is certain—Sam and Matthew will be giving it everything they've got.

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