Large pool of prize money for rally championship contenders

2013 New Zealand Rally Championship
1 March 2013

Large pool of prize money for rally championship contenders

Competitors in the 2013 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship have the additional chase of monetary rewards at each of the season’s six rounds, starting in Dunedin on 6 April.

There are substantial prize winnings for the top-three placed teams in the Super Rally and BNT Historic Rally categories while those competing in the Gull Rally Challenge will be offered the same prize dollar value in the form of fuel vouchers. Offering $500 for first, $300 for second and $200 for third the pot is further sweetened by Rally of New Zealand Board Chairman Peter ‘PJ’ Johnston offering $500 for the fastest team at each round’s ‘Power Stage’.

Beginning with the two day Drivesouth Rally Otago 6-7 April the championship travels the country with two rounds in the South Island and four in the North, concluding at the Trusthouse Racetech Rally Wairarapa on 5 October.

The three distinct competition categories encompass sub-classes that include associate New Zealand championship titles.
Super Rally, now supported by Auto Finance Direct, caters for all modern two and four-wheel-drive cars, including the new generation cars being constructed for Alex Kelsey, Emma Gilmour and Andrew Hawkeswood. BNT Historic Rally is for cars pre 1987 with teams in both earning points toward the overall Goldstar New Zealand championship title.
The Gull Rally Challenge formula is for rally schedule compliant cars – but in a one day format for the two multi-leg events (Otago and Whangarei). Additionally, teams drop their worst score from one of the first five rounds, giving them further budget flexibility.

“We’ve brought to fruition a formula that has reduced the championship entry fee and also returns regular prize winnings,” says series co-ordinator Laurie Brenssell.

“The continuing support of the Brian Green Property Group, Gull and now BNT has allowed us to offer consistent and valued rewards.

“Add to that the additional $500 for winning the ‘Power Stage’ – a nominated stage at each rally where additional championship points are offered for the fastest five cars. It’s a significant return to the winners pocket while they’re chasing for a championship title – and provides an immediate incentive for doing well.”

Following the opening round in Dunedin from 6 to 7 April the series heads north for the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship round at the International Rally of Whangarei (17-19 May). The rest of the season is then one day events: Daybreaker Rally (Manawatu, 29 June), Canterbury Rally (10 August), 10th Anniversary Possum Bourne Memorial Rally, sponsored by Vantage (7 September) with the final being held at the Trusthouse Racetech Rally Wairarapa (5 October).

News and information about the championship – including driver profiles and team news – can be found on the website www.nzrallychampionship.co.nz, or follow New Zealand Rally Championship on Facebook.

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Calendar: 2013 New Zealand Rally Championship
Round 1 – 5 to 7 April – Rally of Otago (NZRC)
Round 2 – 18 to 19 May – International Rally of Whangarei (NZRC, APRC)
Round 3 – 29 June – Daybreaker Rally, Manawatu (NZRC)
Round 4 – 10 August – Rally Canterbury
Round 5 – 7 September – 10th Anniversary Vantage Possum Bourne Memorial Rally, South Auckland (NZRC)
Round 6 – 5 October – Rally Wairarapa (NZRC)

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