Gilmour steps off series chase
While Emma Gilmour has been a regular fixture in the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC) for more than two decades, the 2026 season sees her take a different approach.
Instead of contesting the full series, she will run a mixed programme of events in her Citroen C3 Rally2 car, pictured, and Suzuki Swift, with a renewed focus on enjoyment, balance and strong results.
“Over the past few years, it’s been pretty full on,” says Gilmour. “I’ve been recovering from a head injury, managing the business through a tough economic climate, and juggling a lot behind the scenes. I got to the start of this year and realised I needed to change how I approach the season.”
While she has previously skipped rounds of the championship, this marks the first time she has intentionally chosen not to enter the NZRC from the outset.
“I’m still as motivated as ever to perform but want to enjoy it more as well. This season is about getting that balance right.”
Gilmour will line up at her home event, the Otago Rally from April 11-12, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and has attracted a huge entry of nearly 150 competitors. She will compete in the allcomers field in her C3 Rally2, alongside Australian co-driver Ben Searcy.
“I absolutely love Otago. It’s my favourite event – the roads, fans and atmosphere. It’s the best rally in the southern hemisphere and I’m incredibly lucky it’s my home event.
“Running in allcomers takes the pressure off chasing a championship. I can focus on driving well, enjoying the event, and still push for a strong result.”
A recent test day with Paddon Rallysport helped Gilmour reset ahead of the season before she returned to competition at the Popotunoa Rallysprint. She claimed victory in a competitive field, setting the fastest time on the final run to take the win.
“It was awesome to get that result. It’s always a tough field, so to come away with the win was a great way to start the year.”
After Otago, Gilmour will switch to her Suzuki Swift to contest the remaining rounds of the Deep South Rallysprint Series across Otago and Southland.
The Ashley Forest Rallysprint is another key event on her calendar. “It’s such a fun stage, and it’s also a great opportunity to give back to the sponsors who support what I do.”
With a reduced competition schedule, Gilmour is also placing greater focus on giving back and expanding her work off the rally stages.
“I’ll have MITO apprentices crewing with the team, I’m doing more school visits and continuing to grow my keynote speaking. That side of things is really important to me.”
She is also working on a book, Pacenotes For Life, which draws on her experiences in rallying and business. “It’s not a memoir. It’s about sharing lessons that might help others navigate their own path.
“In rallying, pacenotes tell you what’s coming next. In life, we don’t get that we’re all figuring it out as we go. If I can share what’s worked for me and help someone else along the way, that’s something I’d love to do.”
