Brother Rally NZ brings intense battle for spectators

Brother Rally New Zealand
Round 7, 2012 FIA World Rally Championship – 21 to 24 June 2012
Round 4, 2012 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, powered by Brother

20 June 2012

Brother Rally New Zealand brings intense battle for spectators’ enjoyment

Heading out on to the rally stages to catch all the action is a long-standing tradition for thousands of Kiwi motorsport fans and this year’s Brother Rally New Zealand offers much to see and enjoy.

As the world’s and New Zealand’s best rally drivers contest the 21 to 24 June running of Brother Rally New Zealand traverse roads from Whangarei and Kaipara in the north to Raglan and Te Akau in the south – with plenty of action in and around central Auckland – fans can choose from numerous spectator options.

“The battle to win Brother Rally New Zealand is going to be intense!” says Peter (PJ) Johnston, chairman of Brother Rally New Zealand.

“Whether you’re a hardcore rally fan who wants to see spectacular stages like Whaanga Coast south of Raglan on Friday or you’re happy being among the many thousands who will enjoy watching the WRC stars make a short, sharp blast around the Auckland Domain super special stage on Sunday, there is literally something to suit every kind of rally fan this year,” says Johnston.

Among the best places to see the rally’s rural stages are the prime spectator points, which offer live commentary, food and drink outlets, toilets and parking.

“There are prime spectator points for each day of the rally – Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” says Johnston.

“There are also numerous other spectator points all noted on the official rally map inside the programme, or available from the spectator information section on our website www.rallynz.org.nz. Remember you can also see the service crews in action at the remote service parks – that’s from 1pm at the Raglan Airfield on Friday 22 June and from 12:30 pm at Laurie Hall Park in Whangarei on Saturday 23 June.

“Sunday’s stages, being around Puhoi and Kaukapakapa are particularly easy to access for Auckland-based rally fans.”

Access to all spectator areas, except the Auckland Domain super special stage on Sunday, requires a ticket. An adult day pass is $20, with children under 15 free with a pass-holding adult. Paddock parking is available for a gold coin donation. Alternatively a gold pass for $75 provides access to all three days of the rally, plus access to a special gold pass holders’ viewing area at the Auckland Domain. Tickets can be purchased at the rally stages themselves (cash only) or at rally headquarters at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland.

Brother Rally New Zealand’s clerk of the course Willard Martin notes: “One very important aspect for rally spectators to consider is safety – of themselves and everyone around them. Please follow the safety marshals’ instructions, listen for the whistle or horn which indicates a car is coming and don’t walk on the road being used as the special stage.”

Martin says that spectator safety is a major component in the event’s planning. “Unlike circuit racing we do not have the benefit of Armco barriers, catch fencing and gravel traps. We really appreciate rally spectators working with us to ensure the safety of everyone out enjoying the event.”

For those who prefer to enjoy the action from the comfort of an indoor location, Johnston suggests heading for the Viaduct Events Centre where live footage will be broadcast on a big screen.

“The MotorExpo and FanZone offer plenty of activities, entertainment and interest for car fans of all ages, and you can catch the leading drivers at their end of day press conferences on the main stage and watch the service crews in action in the service park which now surrounds the VEC.

“It was brilliant to see around 95,000 people come out and watch the WRC Rally New Zealand in 2010. Let’s make the 2012 Brother Rally New Zealand even bigger! One way we can help ensure World Rally Championship returns to New Zealand is to demonstrate just how passionate Kiwi fans are to see the world’s best drivers in action on the world’s best roads. See you out there!”

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

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