VOLUNTEER VOICES
Read the stories from the heart of the Rally
Every month we’ll be shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes of our sport – showing our appreciation for everything they do.
500+ VOLUNTEERS IN 50+ ROLES
FUEL YOUR PASSION
The Rally Family
The Unsung
Heroes
At the heart of Rally NZ is a passionate, dedicated community of volunteers who make everything we do possible. From stage crews and safety teams to admin support and zero car crews, every single person plays a vital role — and we’re so incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and heart they bring to the sport. Naturally, with such a diverse group, there are some truly amazing stories behind the hi-vis vests, and through Volunteer Voices, we’re shining a light on the unsung heroes and their stories.
This spotlight is on someone many of our existing volunteers will likely already know from within the timing department – Sarah Mann. Sarah first joined Rally NZ back in 2016, following in the footsteps of her dad, Russell Mann – better known to most as Timing 2.
Although Sarah’s been around the rally scene for about nine years now, she laughs that she could have started even earlier if Russell had let her (he thought you had to be 16 to join). Eventually though, at 15, Russell gave in and let her join his finish crew, and she hasn’t looked back since.
These days, Sarah runs her own finish crew as a Post Chief, continuing the family tradition, and is now also branching out to learn the magic of Service Park.
When asked about her standout memory, Sarah points straight to the World Rally Championship in 2022, when she was part of the finish crew that saw Kalle Rovanperä cross the line to become the youngest ever World Rally Champion – a moment she describes as incredibly special to witness.
And if she could drive in any rally, it would be Rally Sweden, just to experience snow (something Hamilton doesn’t quite offer). She’d love to give it a go in a Holden Barina – her own car – to see how the rally spec version stacks up. As for spectating, Rally Finland is top of her list, with its fast, flowing stages and stunning scenery.
Although for Sarah, the biggest thing that keeps her coming back each year isn’t as much the cars, but more the people. “I love the community. I’ve met so many amazing people and I’m part of such a great group of volunteers.”
And her love/dedication for the sport doesn’t stop there – often contributing behind the scenes to help make the timecards for events like Whangarei, Coromandel, and Daybreaker, as well as helping to sort Timing gear for crews pre & post-event.
Sarah is a great example of the next generation of volunteers coming through, carrying on a family legacy with her brother Jared also getting stuck in, and we’re lucky to have her as part of the team. Thank you Sarah for everything you do – your dedication, energy, and passion goes a very long way, and we’re so glad to have you in the Rally NZ family!
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PARTNERSHIPS
With each leg of the NZ Rally Championship hosted by local car clubs, we as a volunteer body are there to provide extra manpower and support as and when needed. We also provide organisational support if required, with many of our volunteers belonging to more than one car club.
The Rally NZ Club takes pride in working closely with the NZRC – and enjoys providing our volunteers the opportunity to travel across the country to various motorsport events, getting to do what they love in new and exciting environments.
We are also the first point of call for large-scale international events, including the International Rally of Whangarei and the World Rally Championship.
Sarah's Interview
Year first started volunteering:
2016
How long have you been involved with Rally NZ / in the motorsport scene? And what was it that you started off doing?
Around 9 years now, although I would have started earlier if dad let me! Dad thought we had to be 16 to be in a crew, but he gave in and let me come when I was 15 and I haven’t looked back. I started as a member of his finish crew, and now run my own crew.
What was it that made you first get involved in Rally?
Growing up my dad always did timing along with some family and friends. I loved going to rallies with his crew and watching them, although I wasn’t able to go very often.
What is your favourite memory/what has been the highlight moment from your years in the sport?
Getting to do a finish crew for the WRC in 2022 was amazing. I was at the finish line when Kalle Rovanperä became the youngest ever World Rally Champion, which was really special to witness.
Out of all the things you love about rallying, what is it that keeps you coming back for more?
I love the people and the community. I have met so many amazing people and am part of an amazing group of volunteers.
If you could drive in any rally in the world, what one would it be, and what car would you drive – and why?
Rally Sweden would be really interesting, since we don’t get snow in Hamilton. I would be interested in driving a Holden Barina, since that is the car I have and seeing the difference between a rally spec version and my one would be awesome.
If you could spectate any rally in the world, what one would it be and why?
Rally Finland would be my pick. It has some really challenging stages and some amazing scenery.
Any other note-worthy comments?
For the last few years I have been helping make the timecards for many different events including Whangarei, Coromandel and Daybreaker.
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