Bourne name returns to Ashley Forest Rallysprint

The Bourne name will return to New Zealand rally competition when Spencer Bourne lines up at the Ashley Forest Rallysprint on September 19.

The 28-year-old son of Kiwi rallying legend Possum Bourne will drive a Group N-spec replica Prodrive Subaru Impreza WRX prepared by Hayden Paddon’s Paddon Racing Group (PRG). Wearing Possum’s familiar competition livery and the 555POS number plate, the Subaru will be shared with PRG technician and reigning MotorSport New Zealand Clubsport Champion Josh Cooper.

It will be the first time a member of the Bourne family has competed at Ashley Forest in 26 years. Possum won the North Canterbury event in 2000.

“We were lucky enough to have a couple of Possum replica WRXs added to our collection in the past year or so. Possum’s always been a massive inspiration to me, and he did a lot of things for our sport,” says Paddon.

“I thought this was a way to get Possum’s son Spencer involved in the sport and to pay tribute to the Bourne family, keeping Possum’s legacy alive and give Spencer an opportunity to get more involved in rallying.”

The appearance isn’t intended to be a one-off tribute. Paddon and his team plan to help Bourne develop his driving through testing and coaching, with the goal of contesting the 2027 Otago Rally.

Auckland-based Bourne has previously competed in a small number of events as both a driver and co-driver. His latest opportunity followed a conversation with Paddon about the Possum Bourne Memorial Rally.

“The opportunity came out of nowhere when Hayden called me, after I’d asked him for some advice about the Possum Bourne Memorial Rally. Mum always told me to say yes to every opportunity, so I did,” says Bourne.

“I’ve watched my dad competing in earlier Ashley Forest events and the road hasn’t changed. My goals for Ashley Forest are simple: to have fun and don’t crash the car.”

Bourne reportedly showed encouraging speed during a pre-event test in Central Otago, despite his limited experience behind the wheel of a rally car. Cooper accompanied him on his first run to demonstrate the Subaru’s behaviour.

“The car’s easy to drive, super responsive. It feels quite natural which is pretty special, to be honest. I think my father would be saying if I’m having fun, then I’m winning,” says Bourne.

Ashley Forest’s 1.7km course is short but famously intense. Paddon set its current 52.00-second record in 2023 aboard his Hyundai i20 AP4++ and will return in the same car seeking to lower that benchmark. He will also compete in a Group A Subaru.

“It’s going to be great to see Spencer out competing, in an iconic car in iconic Possum colours,” says Paddon. “My team and I are very proud to be part of this and keep this legacy alive for someone who was such a big inspiration for me and others in our sport.”