Rally of Whangarei showcased to audience of 463 million

Media statement

Tuesday 18 June 2013

International Rally of Whangarei showcased to audience of 463 million households

New Zealand’s only international category rally event for 2013 is now being enjoyed by a global television audience of 463 million households across 183 countries. The two day International Rally of Whangarei, in association with the Brian Green Property Group was held over roads through the Kaipara and Whangarei districts from 18 to 19 May and included teams from a variety of countries.

Contesting the opening round of seven for the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship the competition covered 288.16km of road broken in to 16 special stages. Capturing the action and behind-the-scenes drama, New Zealand based production company APRC.TV delivered the Whangarei based footage to global television partners that are now broadcasting the opening round programme. Much of Northland is now foremost on the minds of avid sports fans that are measured as viewers of the rally championship series.

Event organising chairman Laurie Brenssell says the feedback verifies the economic benefits to the region.

“Seeing comments from viewers of what they think of the backdrop scenery that we so often take for granted is key to our event’s viability. The tourism impact genuinely brings people to the region – as recently evidenced by coverage of a Swiss visitor who coincided his visit to New Zealand and the Northland area to take in the event. We are regarded as the holy grail of destinations – not only for the scenery but the various activities and interactions visitors can enjoy while here.”

Eventual winner was Finland’s Esapekka Lappi and co-driver Janne Ferm in a Skoda Fabia S2000 – first time visitors to New Zealand and the Northland roads.

“The following from Europe, especially the Nordic countries such as Finland, has further boosted the event’s profile – and that’s clearly seen by mentions that tag our own social media feeds,” adds Brenssell.

“The fierce battle by Skoda factory backed drivers Esapekka Lappi and Gaurav Gill (from India) made for a world class contest and we were proud to host that opening round show-down.”

Kiwi team Ben Hunt and Tony Rawstorn finished third overall in the international category event, behind Gill and New Zealand based co-driver Glenn Macneall. Other Kiwis contested a subsidiary event – as their cars didn’t meet international entry criteria.

While New Zealand takes a hiatus from the World Rally Championship for 2013, its inclusion for 2014 is currently in the hands of the world governing body as they consider proposals for next year’s calendar.

In the interim focus is on the six round Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC). Currently headed by World Rally Championship competitor Hayden Paddon he is scheduled to miss the next round – the GoPro Daybreaker Rally being held in the Manawatu, Saturday 29 June.
ends

© Scoop Media