28 - 29 April 2012

As the countdown continues to the 2012 version of Trusthouse Racetech Rally Wairarapa, Clerk of the Course Dave Davies has announced that the competition route has been confirmed. While retaining the iconic roads and flowing nature of the event, a few changes have been incorporated.

“We’ve listened to the suggestions and concerns of both residents and competitors”, says Davies. “As a result we’ve been able to improve the event for everyone”.

This means that the competitors will tackle 253km of high speed stages over the two days, once again providing a real test of driver’s skill. Certainly the flowing county roads provide their own unique character, without being hard on the machinery. This makes the roads a firm favourite amongst the drivers, allowing them to concentrate on driving flat out.

Combine this with the best drivers in the country, competing for honours in the second round of the 2012 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, powered by Brother, and you have absolutely fantastic viewing for the spectators, and television viewers.

Although the rally is based at the superb Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Solway Park, in Masterton, it will be the Tararua District that plays host to the Service Parks each day, as the competing crews descend on Pongaroa and Eketahuna to refuel both cars and drivers. Certainly the influx of machinery and people turns the streets of these towns into a “Pop-up City” for the day.

However, the high energy of the rally isn’t the only thing to see and do in the Tararua District, as Lianne Simpkin, Communications and Marketing Manager for Tararua District Council explains. “Apart from our more famous places like the Tui Brewery and Mt Bruce wildlife sanctuary there are a large number of attractions in and around the rally area”.

With a list that includes historic sites, nature walks, artists, crafts people, gardens, museums, antique shops, cafes, and more, there is something for everyone.

“When Lianne sent through the list of attractions, I was surprised at how many interesting places there are around Pongaroa and Eketahuna, let alone the district”, says rally Media Manager Jody Seabright. “There are so many things to do that we have had to put them onto our web site for people to download”, he continues. “Certainly last year my own family went to visit the white kiwi at Mt Bruce while I was out working on the rally. They thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.”

This means that Rally Wairarapa, teamed with the Tararua, Masterton and Carterton Districts makes for an ideal family event. An enjoyable mix of high octane action and friendly country atmosphere.

For more information on Rally Wairarapa visit www.rallywairarapa.co.nz For information on Tararua District visit www.tararua.com and www.eketahunakiwicountry.co.nz

Fast Facts
• Round 2 of 2012 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, powered by Brother
• Round 1 of Geartech Central Region Rally Series, (points scoring based on Saturdays results only)
• Round 1 of the Classic Challenge Trophy
• Round 1 of the Xtreme Rally Challenge
• 16 Special Stages, 8 on Saturday 28 April, and 8 on Sunday 29 April
• 253km of competitive Special Stages, 142km on Saturday, 110km on Sunday
• www.rallywairarapa.co.nz

ENDS

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