As the highlight of the off-road racing calendar for our club this year, anticipation is mounting for a display of skill, speed, and sheer determination. Nestled within the scenic surrounds of West Melton, the Canterbury Off Road Club’s home track once again sets the stage for the Mainland Challenge 2025 and this year’s next National Rounds, promising excitement for both drivers and spectators alike.
The CORC Track, with its purpose-built design and challenging terrain, sets the stage for a racing spectacle that will push machines to their limits on day 1. On day 2 the up to 250km enduro (final distance to be decided) will feature a diverse terrain ranging from riverbeds to shingle-based tracks, alongside challenging obstacles, tight corners, and expansive straights. The Mainland Challenge traditionally draws drivers from across the South Island, with occasional participation from North Island competitors. Whether seasoned veterans or rising stars, each driver brings their unique style and strategy to the track, ensuring every race is a spectacle for both onlookers and participants.
Families and spectators are encouraged to join in the excitement at the Mainland Challenge, contributing to an inclusive atmosphere. The South Island National Rounds double meeting isn’t just about skill and speed—it’s an event that unites individuals who share a passion for off-road racing.
So, mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the off-road event. For further event details, please visit our events page. Additionally, for more information about ORANZ, our national governing body, please click here. We are always looking for assistance as well so if you or anyone you know can lend a hand, please contact one of our committee members here.
You can also stay up to date with the latest event details by following the event page on Facebook here.
Spectator Information
While our racing action spans two days, Saturday, May 17th, promises to be the highlight for spectators! Join us for a day of short course racing on our purpose-built club track in West Melton, kicking off at 9:30 am sharp. Witness the racing as each class competes in four heats of 5 laps.
On Sunday, the action continues with the enduro, incorporating the club track loop before venturing into the forest. Expect cars to return approximately every 20-25 minutes, covering a distance of up to 250km, starting promptly at 10am.
Spectator tickets are available for $10 per person at the gate on Saturday, with children under 15 admitted free (cash only). Please note that no dogs are allowed at the venue.
Hungry? Thirsty? Fear not! Food and hot drinks will be available for purchase both days, with Eftpos accepted but cash preferred due to intermittent cell phone service.
For any specific inquiries, feel free to reach out on our event page on Facebook or contact one of our friendly committee members. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable weekend of off-road excitement!
Event Sponsors
Welcome to our event sponsors, where we extend our gratitude to the businesses and organisations whose generous support helps make our events possible. Without their commitment and partnership, we can’t do what we do. As you take in our sponsors, please learn more about each partner and the contributions they make to our events.
CT Civil – sewer and stormwater contractor specialists New Zealand
4wdbits.co.nz
Home – V-Dub Shoppe Ltd (vdubshoppe.co.nz)
Offroad Association of New Zealand Inc – HOME (oranz.co.nz)
Mainland Challenge Current Entry List
Below you’ll find yourself at the forefront of the build-up as we unveil the lineup for the upcoming Mainland Challenge 2025. Stay tuned as we update this page daily in real-time, giving you a front-row seat to the roster of competitors who are gearing up to take on the challenge.
So, whether you’re a competitor eagerly awaiting to see your name among the ranks or a fan looking to scope out the competition, this is your page for up-to-date entry’s.
Class U
U81 – Keegan Terrell – CORC
U72 – Scott Mitchell – AORC
Mainland Challenge Driver & Crew Event Information
HOSTED AT THE CANTERBURY OFF ROAD RACEWAY WEEDONS-ROSS ROAD WEST MELTON
The Canterbury Off Road Club hosts the annual MAINLAND CHALLENGE event over 2 action packed days. With Short Course racing on Saturday and an Adrenaline Rush Forest endurance race on Sunday.
COMPETITOR INFORMATION
Friday 16th May – Tech Check
Scrutineering will be held at the club track on Friday 16th May from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Drivers & passengers to sign in, complete all paperwork, have race gear checked & have arm bands put on. Tech Check will be as per the ORANZ rulebook. Arm restraints or window nets are strongly recommended. Front window meshes are also strongly recommended as there are stones present on the track surface.
PLEASE NOTE ALL CARS MUST HAVE A 2025 ORANZ TAG – NO TAG NO RACE
POINTS & RACE FORMAT:
The MAINLAND CHALLENGE is a TWO-DAY event. Results for the Mainland are a combination of both days.
The Short Course National Round will be held on Saturday and points will be awarded as per the ORANZ Rule book for an individual Short Course event. The Enduro National Round will be held on Sunday and points will be awarded as per the ORANZ Rule book for an individual Enduro/Long Course event. The MAINLAND CHALLENGE will in effect consist of both National Rounds together.
TIMETABLE:
SATURDAY 17th May – MAINLAND CHALLENGE SHORT COURSE.
Canterbury Off Road Raceway – CORC Club Track Day 1.
Day 1 Mainland Challenge & ORANZ National Round
8 am – Marshals/Media Briefing
8.30 am – Drivers Briefing. All drivers must attend.
9.30 am – Racing starts …… The short course will consist of 4 heats of 5 laps per class.
Grid positions for the first heat will be done in the order your entry is received, per class.
Heats will be run efficiently. If you are not at the dummy grid when your class leaves to enter the track the gate will be closed on you.
Qualifying for Saturday Enduro
This will be done on your quickest lap time from all your races on the Saturday. If you only race Sunday or you don’t complete a lap on Saturday, you will start from behind the slowest qualifier in your class.
SUNDAY 18th May – MAINLAND CHALLENGE ENDURO.
Waimakariri Regional River Park & Club Track Day 2
Mainland Challenge & ORANZ National Round
8.00 am – Kiwi Truck Drivers Briefing
8.30 am – Kiwi Truck Enduro
9.15 am – Marshalls/Media Briefing
9.30 am – Drivers Briefing. All drivers must attend.
10 am Racing starts ……
The Enduro will be up to 250kms, final length to be decided. The track closes 30 minutes after the chequered flag.
Mainland Challenge 2025 Entry Fee
Short Course Saturday Only $300
Enduro Sunday Only $300.00
Early Bird Both Days $480.00
Late Entry: $600
Kiwi Trucks FREE for both days
All payments are to be made to Canterbury Off Road Club 03 1593 0018939 00 please use your surname and car # for reference.
Entries close midnight on Friday 2nd May 2025. Entries received after this date, will be accepted however late entries will start off at the back of your class for the first heat of Saturday’s Short course racing and incur the late payment fee.
Please Note: You will not be considered entered until your payment has been received in our account.
Please note – refunds will be provided 12 hours prior to the start of the event (day 1). Refunds will not be provided due to car breakage at the event, change of mind etc. Refunds will not be discussed at the event or prizegiving and must be submitted in writing to the Club Secretary secretary@dirt.org.nz prior to the event starting.
ENTRY CONFIRMATION
As with previous years there will be no written entry confirmation. However, email confirmation will be sent to you with a copy of your entry. If you have not received this once entered, please contact: secretary@dirt.org.nz.
TRANSPONDERS
You will be required to supply your own transponder. Please ensure your Transponder information is on your entry form so that it can be loaded ready for the event.
ENTRY TICKETS AND COSTS
All pit crew must be in the gate by 8am on both days racing. Your pit crew attending will be required to have an arm band for spectator safety the pit gate will be closed/locked for public entry. Arm bands will be issued for your crew at scrutineering. The arm bands must be worn and shown for entry to and from the pits.
No arm band no entry.
Tickets for spectators can be purchased at the gate for $10 per entry, under 15yr free. (Cash only)
PRIZEGIVING
On Sunday at the conclusion of the racing. Location To Be Confirmed
SERVICES
There will be food and hot drinks available for purchase on both days. Eftpos available but cash preferred due to intermittent cell phone service.
CAMPING
Camping is allowed at the track from Friday scrutineering through to Monday. However apart from toilets there are no other facilities available, and the club gates will be closed and locked each night for security reasons so once you are in, you are in.
NO OPEN FIRES AT ALL
MEDIA
All media personnel attending this event must attend a short media briefing and sign indemnities on both days. Please contact Arlene at secretary@dirt.org.nz to register your attendance.
AS A CONDITION OF YOUR ENTRY ALL COMPETITORS ARE EXPECTED TO COMPLY WITH THE CANTERBURY OFF ROAD CLUB’S HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES DURING THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT. THERE WILL BE NO DOGS ALLOWED IN PITS OR PUBLIC VIEWING AREA FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT