In an unexpected turn of events, Buggyra ZM Racing CEO and team principal Martin Koloc stepped into the driver's seat at the Dry Creek Rally in Vanuatu last weekend, replacing his daughter and usual team driver Aliyyah Koloc.
-- Despite technical issues and his first-ever experience in a WRC car, Martin Koloc secured fourth place in the final round of the 2025 Vanuatu Championship.
The last-minute driver change was part of the team's intensive pre-Dakar preparation strategy, with Aliyyah opting to focus on physical training during the family's extended training camp in Vanuatu.
Learning over results
"It was a surprise to swap seats with Aliyyah," Martin Koloc said. "We came here for almost a month to do a training camp with Aliyyah, and a few days before the rally, she decided to focus on her physical training. If she were racing, she wouldn't be in the shape required for the Dakar."
Martin Koloc took on the two-day event in his Ford Fiesta Proto MK 8 alongside local 17-year-old navigator Noah Dinh. The rally proved to be a steep learning curve, with Martin Koloc facing fierce competition from experienced Pacific drivers who knew every corner by heart.
"I have never driven a WRC car. It is completely different from rally raids," he explained. "I would never have believed how physically demanding it was, especially the second racing day, where we had four long stages out of seven. Driving a WRC car requires hyper-intensity."
Despite the challenges, Martin Koloc's performance improved steadily throughout the event. "I got faster with each stage, competing with the top guys at the end of the rally. I am very happy with my performance and learning rate."
Technical challenges overcome in family effort
The Dry Creek Rally tested both the driver and the entire Buggyra ZM Racing team. Martin Koloc faced significant technical issues that cost valuable time but also provided the team with important operational experience.
"We finished two stages on a flat tire and had to drive very slowly to the finish. Then we suffered a broken shaft on the last stage. Still, I was quite competitive, finishing fourth. I'm very happy with that," Martin Koloc reflected.
The event showcased the family nature of Buggyra ZM Racing's operations, with team members taking on multiple roles as needed. Martin Koloc's nephew, serving usually as the CEO of Buggyra Academy, joined the team's logistics manager to handle mechanical duties during the rally.
"It is a family affair through and through," Martin Koloc noted. "They did an awesome job despite the issues we had. This was the first time we've fully operated and serviced our own WRC team. It was challenging but executed well from all aspects."
Dakar preparations and Academy development
The Dry Creek Rally served as part of a comprehensive training program rather than a competitive goal in itself. The WRC car provides an ideal high-intensity training platform for rally raid preparation, pushing drivers to develop the reflexes and physical conditioning required for events like the Dakar Rally.
"Before starting the rally, we didn't expect to be competitive. In addition, the competition was fierce. This rally was an opportunity for us to learn and do new things. It was also part of our mission to expand our operations in the Pacific Ocean region where we scout young talent for the Buggyra Academy. I am happy to announce that Noah has been nominated to join the Academy program. I have been impressed with his dedication and skills despite his young age,” Martin Koloc concluded.
What’s next
Following the rally, Aliyyah has resumed driving in the training camp, having spent the previous days focused on cycling and weight training. The team will remain in Vanuatu for two more weeks, continuing their high-intensity pre-Dakar preparations with daily WRC training sessions.
The family's extended stay in Vanuatu shows their commitment to thorough preparation as they build toward the upcoming Dakar Rally, where Aliyyah Koloc will represent Buggyra ZM Racing in the sport's most demanding event.
For next year, Buggyra ZM Racing has already committed to competing in all three rounds of the 2026 Vanuatu Championship, with driving duties shared between Martin and Aliyyah Koloc.
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