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Three times a charm for Rally NZ event on the Coromandel

Three times a charm for Rally NZ event on the Coromandel

The 2016 Mahindra Goldrush Rally of NZ is locked and loaded for its third consecutive year on the Coromandel.

More than 60 rally cars are expected to participate in this year's 20 August race with some of the best rally drivers taking part including Australian Brendan Reeves. Reeves is no stranger to New Zealand roads, having contested the International Rally of Whangarei APRC round four times plus Rally New Zealand in 2008. The 27-year old also has vast international experience that includes contesting the WRC Academy/Junior World Rally Championship twice, winning the Rally America two-wheel drive title.

The Rally Headquarters will be based at the Mercury Bay Sports Park and spectators are welcome to come and view the cars and crews up close as they come in for servicing, before heading into the Whitianga Town Centre for the ceremonial finish later in the afternoon.

"We want to thank Rally NZ organisers for once again showing their support of the Coromandel by holding the final round of the NZRC in our District," says Thames-Coromandel District Mayor Glenn Leach. "The Mercury Bay community are excellent hosts and we appreciate the input this event has to our local economy, as well as being an attraction for anyone who has a love of fast cars," says Mayor Leach.

"As the Rally is televised extensively this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Coromandel's stunning scenery and promote our district to visitors," says the Mayor.

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Throughout the day the rally drivers will be tackling 121 kilometres of special stages all across the Coromandel on public and forestry roads. There will be road closures in place at certain areas in the Mercury Bay and Coromandel wards throughout the day.

The 20 August road closures are:

7:30am to 11:15am - Port Charles Road from the intersection of Colville Road and Port Jackson Road to the intersection of Waikawau Beach Road. All of Waikawau Beach Road and Tuateawa Road to the intersection of Waihirere Drive.

8:20am to 4:30pm - 309 Road - From the Waterworks Gate to house number 1715 on the 309 Road

9:30am to 3:30pm - Tapu-Coroglen Road - From the intersection of SH 25 at Coroglen to House number 436 Tapu-Coroglen Road

2:00pm to 6:00pm - Joan Gaskell Drive - From the intersection of SH25 and Kupe Drive.

3:30pm to 7:00pm - Blacksmiths Lane - From the intersection of Albert Street to The Esplanade

"The ceremonial finish which is being held at 5.30pm at Blacksmiths Lane, off Whitianga's main street is an opportunity for everyone to come along and check out the rally cars and meet the drivers," says Blair Read, Rally NZ Spokesperson. This follows the last "special stage" of the day down Joan Gaskell Drive.

On the podium for the ceremonial finish will be the first 3 placers overall (and then in the classes) who will be presented with their trophies and a champagne spray.

"We are helping to organise a street party so we hope to have quite a crowd to celebrate with the drivers, co-drivers and pit crew," says Allan Tiplady, our Council's Area Manager for Mercury Bay.

There will be Community Groups involved and a similar format to past years' celebrations. The street will reopen by 7pm.

So come and enjoy the atmosphere with rally cars, crews, service teams, spectators and volunteers all getting involved in the action!

You can see the map and road closures on our website www.tcdc.govt.nz/rallynz2016

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