Tony Differ & Jayson Stringer

📍 Hamilton
 🚗 1981 Mitsubishi EX Lancer 1800 Turbo

Some roads never lose their magic.

For Tony Differ, the roads around Taumarunui hold memories stretching back nearly four decades. His rally career began in 1986, and over the next 12 years he built a wealth of experience before eventually stepping away from the sport.

The Taumarunui district has always held a special place in his heart.

Tony set a class record for three consecutive years at the Taumarunui Hillclimb Championships and still considers these to be some of the best rally roads in the North Island.

After 28 years away from rallying, the passion returned.

In August last year, Tony purchased what many consider to be one of New Zealand's most iconic Mitsubishi EX Lancers from Bruce Herbert. Wanting to share the adventure, he convinced good friend Jayson Stringer to come out of retirement and return to the co-driver's seat.

"The pair simply haven't looked back since."

Jayson brings plenty of experience of his own. He began rallying in 1997, spending his first seven years as a driver before moving into the co-driver's seat. His career highlight came in 2008, when he won the New Zealand Rally Championship 2WD Class as a co-driver.

Like all rally crews, they've collected a few memorable moments along the way.

At this year's Taranaki Tarmac Rally, the pair demonstrated the old saying, "never waste a crowd," spinning at the event's biggest spectator point. For a crew known for their spectacular sideways driving style, that one was perhaps just a little more sideways than planned!

Now they're excited to return to roads that have meant so much throughout Tony's rallying journey.

Heading into Round 4 of the North Island Rally Series, Tony and Jayson currently lead Class D in both the Drivers' and Co-drivers' standings, and they'll be looking to continue that momentum on some of New Zealand's most iconic gravel roads.

Please join us in welcoming Tony and Jayson to Rally Taumarunui, and be sure to give them a wave when you see the iconic Mitsubishi EX Lancer out on the stages! 👋🏁