2025 Kosciuszko Automotive Monaro Stages Rally – Event Wrap
Round Two of the 2025 AMSAG Southern Cross Rally Series headed to the Monaro region on Sunday 5th October for the 2025 Kosciuszko Automotive Monaro Stages Rally, where competitors tackled a fast yet technical course across twelve special stages. Crews were greeted with classic Monaro conditions, with cool air, flowing gravel roads and plenty of opportunity for both speed and mistakes.
Bombala locals, Mal and Reagan Hurley proved unstoppable, taking a clean sweep of every stage on their way to a commanding victory in the Open Series aboard their Subaru WRX. The pair controlled the event from SS2 onward and never looked threatened, banking valuable championship points with a textbook performance.
Chasing hard early were Andrew Maurer and Brett Kerr in their Mitsubishi Evo, who opened strongly and held station to claim second outright. Rounding out the Open podium were Dean Ridge and Muireann Hayes, also Evo-mounted, after a consistent and well-managed run across the day.
In the Classic Series, it was Thomas Dermody and Eoin Moynihan who stood tallest. The Ford RS2500 crew once again showed the speed and commitment that has made them a regular feature at the sharp end this season, securing the Classic Outright win ahead of father-and-son team Andy and Sebastian Pierce in their Nissan Silvia. Peter Vlandis and Todd Satchell completed the Classic podium in the unique Volvo 242GT.
Among the class honours, Craig Aggio and Megan Byrne topped the Open Rear-Wheel-Drive ranks in the fan-favourite Toyota Corolla, while Ian Plenderleith and Mel McMinn claimed the Open Front-Wheel-Drive win. Stuart Reeves and Trent Brewster secured top spot in Open 4WD outside the outright places.
In the Classic division, class winners included Stephen Robertson and Pip Barker (Class B), Greg Selsby and Barry Srnec (Class C), Wade Ryan and Trent Brassil (Class D) and Tony Jordan and Richard Davidson (Class E). Each pairing navigated the changing gravel grip with skill to secure valuable class points.
It was not a trouble-free day for everyone. Several crews saw their rally end early with mechanical issues, including Jason and Katie Giddins, Michael and Tim Valantine, Doug and Cathy Neill, Ryley King and Arron Topliff & Richard Shimmon and Mitch Martin, highlighting just how demanding the Monaro stages can be.
With two rounds now complete, the points race is beginning to take shape in both the Open and Classic categories. Competitors will now look ahead to the next event, the Rosewood Rally to be held on 15th November where momentum and reliability will again be key as the fight for the Southern Cross Rally Series titles conclude.
Photography Credit - Razorback Sports Photography
