Chance to meet world rally stars at family day

Media statement
12 June 2012

Chance to meet world rally stars at family day
Sunday 17 June is the first opportunity for fans to meet the stars and heroes of the World Rally Championship at the Brother Rally New Zealand Rally Family Day to be held at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre.

Here for the seventh round of the WRC that will run from 21-24 June over roads in the Te Akau, Raglan, Kaipara, Northland and Auckland regions, the drivers and teams have a day of activity before they prepare for the rally.

Starting at 10am with a number of family-friendly, rally-related activities the free-to-attend day will include a driver autograph signing session from 12:30pm to 1:40pm.

Event organising chairman Peter (PJ) Johnston says the purpose of the day is to allow families to see and explore the venue that will become known as the ‘Rally Village’ for the week-long event, and to get excited about the world’s best rally drivers returning to New Zealand

“There will be something for everyone – all under cover and it’s free to attend.

“On display will be a variety of cars from bygone days to those contesting our own Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship. The big screen will be showing a variety of past rally footage and there will be the Ford slot-car race area, Subaru car display, colouring competition, Red Bull driver simulator, a rock climbing wall, free barbeque thanks to mobile phone network provider Skinny, a café and our own event merchandise.

“Plus in conjunction with the Automobile Association, we’ll be supporting the FIA’s Decade of Action for Road Safety with a display containing an assortment of helpful information for motorists. Learn how to buy a safer car, how your driving style can save you fuel and what old tyres can be recycled into. Competition details to win one of two TomToms will also be available at the display.

“Then at 12:30pm the sport’s top drivers will be present for the autograph session. It was so popular in 2010 we drew SKYCITY’s largest ever crowd in to their grand entrance.

“Immediately after the driver signing, competitors in the NZRC, powered by Brother, will have the opportunity to show their skills in the Mania Scooter Rally – alongside public game enough to give it a go.

“For the little ones we will have the rally kids club that includes face painting, a pit stop challenge, jumping beans, and a balloon twister to keep them occupied.”

Event broadcaster Hauraki will also be present, doing a number of live promotions as part of their involvement with following the event.

On the Monday all competitors begin event reconnaissance of the rally route, which will take two-and-a-half days.

A ticketed welcome function on Thursday 21 June will officially open the event where the WRC drivers will select their starting positions based on their qualifying stage times set earlier in the day. A new MotorExpo and FanZone will operate inside rally headquarters at the Viaduct Events Centre throughout Friday 22 June to Sunday 24 June. Entry is free and alongside great vehicle displays and interactive entertainment, fans can watch the only big screen television showing live rally footage from out on the course. Numerous prime and other spectator viewing areas offer excellent opportunities to watch the high speed action in person across all three days of the event. Sunday’s action includes the free-for-everyone Auckland Domain super special stage before the ceremonial finish at 3:30pm near the Viaduct Events Centre on Auckland’s waterfront.

Detailed spectator and ticket information and current news is available on the event website www.rallynz.org.nz or follow the event on Facebook or Twitter.

ENDS

© Scoop Media