Tributes flow following the death of rally driver Mark Tapper

New Zealand’s motor racing community is in mourning following the loss of rally driver Mark Tapper.

According to an item in RallySport Magazine, Tapper died shortly after his 44th birthday.

Compatriot Hayden Paddon said the news was a “shock to the whole rally community”. He remembered him as “a legend of a driver and a human being”.

“I would say he was one of the most gifted rally drivers in NZ – never afraid to commit that little more, keep it a gear higher and leave nothing on the table.”

Another noted Kiwi rally driver, Emma Gilmour, remembered him as “an immense talent and one of the most likeable, one-of-a-kind people in our sport.

“Gone far too soon. He will be so missed.”

MotorSport New Zealand said it was “deeply saddened” by his loss.

“A fierce competitor and true character of the sport, Mark made his mark both at home and on the world stage.

“Mark’s legacy lives on in the stories, memories, and inspiration he leaves behind.”

Another local rally champion, Chris West, said Tapper was a “real character, competitive and a talented steerer”. He said he “enjoyed every moment with Mark, both on and off the stages“.

‘Mad’ Mike (Whiddett) recalled them getting into mischief as teenagers before becoming successful rally drivers.

“Both of us learnt the talent together of how hard to push vehicles to really find the limit of them.

“Never did we think both of us would make it on the global stage at the highest level, racing and entertaining behind a steering wheel.”

Tapper rose to prominence after he and Jeff Judd were the first Kiwis home at Rally New Zealand in 2005.

He competed in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship in 2006. The following year, he took out the Group N 2WD class in the NZ Rally Championship. That earned him a place in the Fiesta Sporting Trophy International Shootout final.

Tapper’s success continued after he won the Pirelli Star Driver award in 2008, the first New Zealand driver to do so.

The win granted him a career-changing opportunity driving in the Production World Rally Championship. It was a chance to compete against the world’s top drivers.

Tapper achieved his best WRC finish in 2009, but the year was marred by mechanical failures.

His last attempt at Rally New Zealand was in 2010.

In subsequent years, Tapper was a branch manager at Carter’s Tyre Services. He was also listed as a director of several companies, one being Tapper Rallysport.

Tapper is survived by his two children, two sisters, and his parents.