Ex-FIA vice-president and WRC figure Morrie Chandler dies aged 85

Former FIA vice president for sport and World Rally Championship commission president Morrie Chandler has died, aged 85.

Chandler will be remembered as a towering figure whose influence on motorsport stretched far beyond his native New Zealand across a career spanning more than five decades.

Before rising to top administrative roles at MotorSport New Zealand and later within the WRC and FIA, Chandler began his career in hillclimbs with the Northern Sports Car Club.

Chandler quickly rose to club president before making his mark at national level as a member of Motorsport New Zealand’s executive board.

In this role, Chandler played an instrumental part in maintaining New Zealand’s place on the WRC calendar throughout the 1970s and 1980s. During this period he was also a regular competitor.

Chandler’s affiliation with WRC grew, becoming a member of the FIA’s WRC Commission in 1983. His roles within the FIA continued over the following decades, culminating in positions as WRC Commission president and FIA vice president for sport.

As FIA vice president for sport, he helped shape the direction of global motorsport, while initiatives such as the Pirelli Star Driver programme supported the development of future talent.

Chandler’s passion for rallying also extended beyond New Zealand, serving as a driving force in the development of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship.

“Morrie was a titan. Not just of rallying, but motorsport in general,” said WRC Promoter Senior Event Director Simon Larkin.

“He led with strength and passion, and it was a pleasure to work alongside and in partnership with him for the growth and development of the WRC.

“He is a loss to all of us, but his family and friends can take heart knowing of his immense contribution.”

MotorSport New Zealand President Deborah Day also paid tribute to Chandler’s legacy.

“Morrie Chandler was one of the most influential figures our sport has ever known,” said Day.

“His leadership, vision, and tireless commitment helped shape not only motorsport in New Zealand, but across the world. He gave so much to the sport he loved, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”

In 1997 Chandler was appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in acknowledgement of his service to New Zealand and global motorsport.