Te Matau a Pohe hosts International Rally opening

Te Matau a Pohe hosts International Rally opening

Whangarei’s spectacular bridge, Te Matau a Pohe, will be the focus of local and international attention when the 2015 International Rally of Whangarei roars into life at 5pm on Friday.

“To have all of the evening’s activity located in this stunning location in central Whangarei is a great way to start the event,” said Chairman of the International Rally of Whangarei organising committee Laurie Brenssell.

“Throughout the course of the evening fans will be able to see the cars up close, meet the drivers, grab an autograph and then shortly afterwards watch the cars in action on the Hella Super Special Stage under lights, all in one location.”

He said activities will get under way at 5pm with the entire field of cars assembling in the pre start area on the Te Matau a Pohe.

Rally fans will be able to mingle with the cars and stars before the official opening which will start at 6pm. The first rally car will proceed over the start ramp at 6.15pm and lights will go green for the first rally car in the Hella Pohe Island Super Stage at 7pm.

Mr Brenssell said the field will run in reverse seeded order, with the fastest cars starting last.

There will be several prime positions for spectators to view the crews as they race for the fastest time over the 1.25km gravel course that snakes it way through the William Fraser Memorial Park’s sweeping corners, hairpin bends, and under Te Matau a Pohe.

The International Rally of Whangarei is the opening round of the 2015 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship and the 2015 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, and boasts a star field of the best drivers.

American rally sensation Ken Block headlines the international visitors. New Zealand’s best rally drivers including Richard Mason, Ben Hunt, Emma Gilmour and Alex Kelsey are also expected to race for national championship honours.

Following Friday night’s action the rally will continue on Saturday heading north for eight special stages on the fast flowing cambered roads that the rally is famous for, while Sunday’s final leg heads south of Whangarei for a further six stages. A total of 282 kilometres of competitive stages make up the event.

Road closures on Friday

Dave Culham Drive from Port Road to Riverside Drive including Te Matau a Pohe will also be closed from 3pm to 10pm. See list below for closures on other days.

Parking

Access to the Hella Pohe Island Super Special Stage will be off Port Road. Use the car parking next to the Te Matau a Pohe and walk across to get access to the area.

Ticket Sales

Further news and ticketing information can be found on the www.rallywhangarei.co.nz website, or follow the event on Facebook – International Rally of Whangarei.

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