Gisborne Herald
  • Gisborne Herald Home
  • Latest news
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Sport

Subscriptions

  • Herald Premium
  • Viva Premium
  • The Listener
  • BusinessDesk

Sections

  • Latest news
  • On The Up
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Sport

Locations

  • Gisborne
  • Bay of Plenty
  • Hawke's Bay

Media

  • Today's Paper - E-Editions
  • Photo sales
  • Classifieds

Weather

  • Gisborne

NZME Network

  • Advertise with NZME
  • OneRoof
  • Driven Car Guide
  • BusinessDesk
  • Newstalk ZB
  • Sunlive
  • ZM
  • The Hits
  • Coast
  • Radio Hauraki
  • The Alternative Commentary Collective
  • Gold
  • Flava
  • iHeart Radio
  • Hokonui
  • Radio Wanaka
  • iHeartCountry New Zealand
  • Restaurant Hub
  • NZME Events

SubscribeSign In

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.
Home / Gisborne Herald / Sport

Thumbs up for Gisborne track at remote control car off-road nationals

Gisborne Herald
6 Apr, 2026 11:34 PM2 mins to read

Subscribe to listen

Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.
Already a subscriber?  

Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech.
‌
Save
    Share this article
The national off-road radio control car championships at Manutūkē drew a strong field of 145 entries.

The national off-road radio control car championships at Manutūkē drew a strong field of 145 entries.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

Gisborne buzzed with high-speed model car action over Easter as Gizzy RC Club hosted the New Zealand 1/10th Off-Road Nationals.

Local enthusiasts and their cars featured at the top end of results on the Waingake Rd track at Manutūkē.

The event drew a strong field of 145 entries for four days of intense racing and camaraderie.

The newly refurbished and improved track drew wide praise from visiting competitors.
The newly refurbished and improved track drew wide praise from visiting competitors.

The Gisborne track and facilities were presented in top condition, thanks to months of preparation by dedicated club members.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

“The track itself was widely praised by competitors, offering a well-balanced, neutral layout that rewarded consistency and skill — a true test to determine this year’s national champions,” Gizzy RC club president Matthew Spackman said.

Remote control cars fly around the Gizzy RC Club track at Manutūkē.
Remote control cars fly around the Gizzy RC Club track at Manutūkē.

Racing across all classes delivered plenty of excitement, with multiple champions crowned over the weekend.

“Among the highlights was Dylan Toia (of Hamilton), who became the youngest-ever national champion (12 years old) after taking out the 4WD Modified Buggy class, a standout moment that drew strong support from the crowd,” Spackman said.

Gisborne racers also made their mark and held their own against the country’s best with impressive performances throughout the event.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

A proud moment for the host club came in the 4WD Short Course Truck (SCT) class, where Gisborne drivers secured a clean sweep of the podium — Daniel Contreras-Rojas took first place, Spackman second and David Brew third.

Gisborne drivers Daniel Contreras-Rojas (middle), Matthew Spackman (right) and David Brew (left) completed a clean sweep in the 4WD Short Course Truck (SCT) class. Photo / Supplied
Gisborne drivers Daniel Contreras-Rojas (middle), Matthew Spackman (right) and David Brew (left) completed a clean sweep in the 4WD Short Course Truck (SCT) class. Photo / Supplied

The upgraded venue included a covered drivers’ stand sponsored by Sutherland Automotive.

“Gas and Gear, East Coast Hire, Evolution Wireless, and Gizzy Waste also supported the championships,” he said.

“The atmosphere was memorable.

“It brought together a passionate community of racers, families and supporters, all enjoying a weekend focused on good racing and good times.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

“As the dust settled and national champions were crowned, one thing was clear — Gisborne delivered.”

Spackman said the Gizzy RC Club is looking to build on the success of the nationals.

“We hope to continue to grow the sport and bring more top-level racing back to the region in the future.

“We are always looking to welcome new members.”

For more information on Gizzy RC Club, contact Spackman at matt@elitehobbies.nz

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

Save
    Share this article

Latest from Sport

Sport

United, Thistle eyeing more Hawke's Bay scalps

01 May 04:54 AM
Sport

Day 2 charge earns Tolaga Bay second place at Rotorua Classic

01 May 03:10 AM
Sport

'A great HSOB club day': Trophy on the line, milestone games for Loffler, Tuwairua-Brown

30 Apr 11:28 PM

Sponsored

Endangered bird gets another chance

21 Apr 02:30 AM
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

Latest from Sport

United, Thistle eyeing more Hawke's Bay scalps
Sport

United, Thistle eyeing more Hawke's Bay scalps

Gisborne United away to Taradale; Gisborne Thistle hosting Western Rangers

01 May 04:54 AM
Day 2 charge earns Tolaga Bay second place at Rotorua Classic
Sport

Day 2 charge earns Tolaga Bay second place at Rotorua Classic

01 May 03:10 AM
'A great HSOB club day': Trophy on the line, milestone games for Loffler, Tuwairua-Brown
Sport

'A great HSOB club day': Trophy on the line, milestone games for Loffler, Tuwairua-Brown

30 Apr 11:28 PM


Endangered bird gets another chance
Sponsored

Endangered bird gets another chance

21 Apr 02:30 AM
NZ Herald
  • About NZ Herald
  • Meet the journalists
  • Newsletters
  • Classifieds
  • Help & support
  • Contact us
  • House rules
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Competition terms & conditions
  • Our use of AI
Subscriber Services
  • Manage your print subscription
  • Manage your digital subscription
  • Subscribe to Herald Premium
  • Subscribe to the Gisborne Herald
  • Gift a subscription
  • Subscriber FAQs
  • Subscription terms & conditions
  • Promotions and subscriber benefits
NZME Network
  • Gisborne Herald
  • The New Zealand Herald
  • The Northland Age
  • The Northern Advocate
  • Waikato Herald
  • Bay of Plenty Times
  • Rotorua Daily Post
  • Whanganui Chronicle
  • Viva
  • NZ Listener
  • Newstalk ZB
  • BusinessDesk
  • OneRoof
  • Driven Car Guide
  • iHeart Radio
  • Restaurant Hub
NZME
  • NZME Events
  • About NZME
  • NZME careers
  • Advertise with NZME
  • NZME Digital Performance Marketing
  • Photo sales
  • © Copyright 2026 NZME Publishing Limited
TOP