4x4 Manawahe Madness

4x4 Manawahe Madness The New Zealand 4x4 National Trial Finals

We are in a weekend of carnage, crawling, clutch-kicking and questionable line choices, the top 3 C class have officiall...
10/04/2025

We are in a weekend of carnage, crawling, clutch-kicking and questionable line choices, the top 3 C class have officially made themselves known… and it’s shaping up to be an absolute showdown.

3rd: John Hawken – coming in hot, steady under pressure, and proving that slow and smart still wins stages.

2nd: Nathan Fogden – clean lines, clean driving, and one spicy throttle foot.

1st: Shayne Towers – currently on top and absolutely sending it. Big risk, big reward – and so far, it’s paying off.

But here’s the real kicker…
They’re all running smaller engines!
Yup, while the big boys were busy flexing horsepower and snapping parts, these three were showing that it’s not all about CCs — it’s about control, brains, and a bit of stubborn throttle abuse.

So if you thought you needed a massive engine to be at the top, think again.
The podium is proof: it’s not the size of your donk… it’s how you drive it.

Let’s see who can hang on through the final round, because this top 3 may be far from settled.

Next up, sitting in fourth place overall, it’s Chris Gifford, pilot of The Punisher. This is Chris’s second season behin...
09/04/2025

Next up, sitting in fourth place overall, it’s Chris Gifford, pilot of The Punisher. This is Chris’s second season behind the wheel of his newly built, LS-powered, Nitro Custom 4x4 buggy. With a consistent run all season, he’s proven to be a serious contender. Despite having to sit out round three to welcome his new baby, Chris is back and hungry for that podium. Don’t let that fourth-place spot fool you — he’s a serious threat to the top three and could easily make a move for the overall standings. With The Punisher in his hands, Chris means business. Watch out, top contenders, because he’s coming for those zeros! The countdown is on!"

"Introducing Scott Biggs, the reigning NZ Champion currently sitting 5th  a fierce competitor in the 4x4 Manawahe Madnes...
07/04/2025

"Introducing Scott Biggs, the reigning NZ Champion currently sitting 5th a fierce competitor in the 4x4 Manawahe Madness. With a podium finish at the penultimate round after switching tyres to the very favourable journey claws .
Scott is still mathematically in the hunt to keep the 1NZ title on his Nitro Customs buggy. Known for giving 100% every time he saddles up , no hill is too big for him. He’ll leave it all out there and never die wondering!

The action kicks off at 9:00 a.m. and entry is just $25 per family. EFTPOS is available – see you there!"

Scott DicksonDriving the RockNHorse (ls powered cowper truck), currently sitting in a tie for 6th place, After his impre...
07/04/2025

Scott Dickson
Driving the RockNHorse (ls powered cowper truck), currently sitting in a tie for 6th place, After his impressive performance here last season's at this event, there’s no doubt that Scott will be pushing hard for a podium spot in this year final . His consistency and skill behind the wheel make him a fan favorite, and many are excited to see how he fares this weekend!

This thrilling event promises to be one to remember, with the crew putting in the final touches on the track for an unforgettable day of excitement .The course has been meticulously prepared and will test the limits of both the trucks and the drivers. It’s expected to be a hot day, so be sure to pack a sunhat.

Location: Corner of Braemar Road & Symons Road, Rotama

Date & Time: Starting at 9 AM

Admission: $25 per family, $10 per person; children under 5 attend for free

Weather: It’s going to be a hot day, so make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water!

It’s an event that’s not to be missed, with exciting racing action, great atmosphere, and a chance to watch top-tier drivers from around the country

Dave McKie, currently in a tie for 6th  place overall, is back with his Nitro Custom LS-powered truck Nick named sniper ...
06/04/2025

Dave McKie, currently in a tie for 6th place overall, is back with his Nitro Custom LS-powered truck Nick named sniper
Dave has already secured one round win this year and is aiming for another at the Manawahe 4x4 Madness National Trial. This event is known for its challenging terrain and fierce competition, drawing the best off-road drivers from around the country.

However, it's worth noting that the last time Dave competed in this event, his motor expired, so fingers crossed he doesn't face the same unfortunate luck this time around. With the adrenaline and high stakes of the Manawahe 4x4 Madness, Dave is ready to push his truck to the limit and hopefully secure another win. Here's to a smooth and successful rally for Dave!

For those looking to experience the action, tickets are available with family passes priced at $25. There will also be a food vendor on-site to keep everyone fueled throughout the day, and Eftpos facilities will be available for convenience. The full day of action kicks off at 9:30 AM, so get there early! The event will be held at the corner of Braemar and Symond Road in Rotoma. Don't miss out on this exciting off-road spectacle

Introducing Wayne Weatherly, the seasoned racer with a passion for adrenaline Behind the wheel of a powerful LS2 engine,...
05/04/2025

Introducing Wayne Weatherly, the seasoned racer with a passion for adrenaline

Behind the wheel of a powerful LS2 engine, Wayne is Currently sitting eighth overall, he's known for his strategic driving and resilience. But it's not just about the hills Wayne also shares the truck with his daughter, a dynamic duo that brings both skill and heart to every race they enter. Based out of matangi Wayne’s racing journey is a true testament to the spirit and live of the sport and the power of family.

Catch Wayne in action at the Manawahe 4x4 Madness on April 12th, where he'll be pushing his limits alongside other top competitors. It’s bound to be an unforgettable event,

Stay tuned as Wayne Weatherly continues to chase victory, not far from where he grew up

Currently sitting 9th overall, Chris Tomlin "kiffy" is making waves in the New Zealand 4x4 trials scene. Behind the whee...
03/04/2025

Currently sitting 9th overall, Chris Tomlin "kiffy" is making waves in the New Zealand 4x4 trials scene. Behind the wheel of a pro-charged LS-powered truck built by Tomlin himself, Chris has proven to be a force to be reckoned with.

Known as the boss of the NZ 4x4 trial scene, Chris brings skill, precision, and power to every challenge. His truck is built for performance, engineered to tackle any obstacle with ease.

Ninja’s is one of the last remaining die-hard Federal Tired rigs in the game, maintaining its reputation as a true off-road beast. Ninja's sure to make an impression.

Keep an eye out for ciffy as he takes on the next challenge at the April Corner, Braemar Rd, Symond Rd. And don't forget – this year, we're going flash. We’ve got EFTPOS available to make your experience smoother than ever

Next up, we have Shayne – the local Mud Taxi pilot from Edgecumbe currently sitting 10th overall He’s behind the wheel o...
03/04/2025

Next up, we have Shayne – the local Mud Taxi pilot from Edgecumbe currently sitting 10th overall

He’s behind the wheel of the 402c buggy, which, while light and fragile, has been rumored to be heavily modified for the battlefields of Manawahe. Currently sitting in 1st place in C class, he’s a strong contender for the win on April 12th.

After narrowly missing the overall podium at Round 5, all eyes will be on him to see if he can push through and improve .

Come out and support him!

$25 for a family – a whole day of cheap entertainment. Don't miss it!

TJW PHOTOS snapped these awesome shots from round 5 . Jump over give TJW PHOTOS a like . I'm sure they will catch some a...
02/04/2025

TJW PHOTOS snapped these awesome shots from round 5 .
Jump over give TJW PHOTOS a like .
I'm sure they will catch some awesome pics from our event ..

Phil Cameron, a driver who might be collecting his pension, but he's not slowing down when it comes to racing! Currently...
02/04/2025

Phil Cameron, a driver who might be collecting his pension, but he's not slowing down when it comes to racing! Currently sitting in 11th place overall, Phil isn't your typical retiree. You usually find pensioners on the golf course or at the bowling club on a Saturday morning—but not Phil.
Instead, you’ll find him pushing his LS-powered Nitro Customs buggy through some of the toughest terrain around.

Sure, he might be the oldest on the course, but don’t be fooled—he’s still got plenty of speed and grit. Maybe not the wisest racer, but certainly one of the most determined! So mark your calendars—April 12th at Corner breamar Road and Symonds road You definitely won’t want to miss it, even if it means getting a little dust in your ice cream. See you there!

Next up, we have Foggy!Currently sitting 12th overall  A native of Te Puke, Nathan Fogden is our first C-Class 4-cylinde...
31/03/2025

Next up, we have Foggy!
Currently sitting 12th overall
A native of Te Puke, Nathan Fogden is our first C-Class 4-cylinder contender with a mathematical chance of making the top 10 by the end of the season. He’s currently locked in a fierce battle for C-Class honors with local driver Shayne.

Foggy’s Evo-powered Cowper truck is sure to turn heads, with all the wizz-bang turbo sounds that’ll get the boy racers buzzing. You won’t want to miss it!

Come down and catch the action on Saturday, April 12th, starting at 9 AM sharp, at the corner of Braemar Road and Symond Road. See you there

Address

50 Symonds Road
Kawerau

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