HUNTER schoolteacher Kaylie Newell has put the region on the international rally car racing map.
The accomplished navigator is set to represent Australia as a co-driver on the challenging New Zealand rally circuit after dominant performances last year on home soil.
Newell, 32, will team up with legendary driver Glenn Brinkman in a series of world-class rally events.
They will compete for the Kick Ass team in prominent events such as the 50th anniversary Otago Rally on the south island, the Peter “Possum” Bourne Memorial Rally, and the Silver Fern Rally.
It is a huge fillip for the astute navigator who has achieved a wealth of success throughout her decorated 15-year racing career.
She formed a potent partnership with another rally great in Tony Sullens in the MRF Tyres team, with the duo capping a memorable 2025 campaign by clinching the Australian Rally 2 Wheel Drive championship in Tasmania.
It was a maiden national title for cool-hand Newell after combining with Sullens in their Citroen DS3 car to claim three outright and four class state championships plus a third Production Cup Rally trophy.
“Winning both the NSW and Australian Rally 2 Wheel Drive championships with Tony was a huge thrill,” said Newell, who began her navigating career aged 18.
“I achieved plenty and learnt a lot from one of the country’s finest rally car drivers.
“Stepping up on to the international stage in New Zealand is a fresh challenge for myself this year and an opportunity that I intend to grab with both hands.”
Newell continues to thrive amid the pressure of seven day endurance and weekend rallies, in a professional field of world-class drivers.
“As a navigator, I am the eyes into the future,” she said.
“My role is to support the driver to visualise road directions, conditions and surfaces ahead of time, while travelling at the car’s fastest pace.”
Back home, she will also contest the Australian Safari Event Rally and Sunraysia seven day endurance rally with Brinkman before heading back across the Tasman for a crack at the Flinders to Flieurieu Rally in an action-packed calendar.
Two of the biggest influences on her career have been her rally driver dad, David Wilson, and her pop, John Wilson.
The Head English teacher at Callaghan College in Waratah also draws inspiration from her two daughters – 13-year-old Bella and seven-year-old Madison.
By Chris KARAS
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