Rally Wairarapa Continues Its Tradition of Community

28 - 29 April 2012
Rally Wairarapa Continues Its Tradition of Community Involvement

Once again the 2012 edition of the Trusthouse Racetech Rally Wairarapa will see the return of the children’s colouring competition.

“This has grown into a bit of a tradition at our event”, says rally chairman John Clunie, “and we’re pleased to be able to continue this, with the excellent support of More FM and Richard and Sara Mason”.

Their support means that once again the first prize will be an Xbox 360, which has attracted large numbers of entries from the local school children in the past and is expected to do so again. With the winner announced during the driver signing session, it makes for a fun family atmosphere at the ceremonial start, which is again being hosted by the Copthorne Hotel and Resprt Solway Park from 6.15pm on Friday 27th April.

“The opportunity to meet the drivers, collect autographs and posters, and be part of the competition makes for a great family evening out”, adds Clunie.

The colouring competition is open to children 12 and under. Entry forms can be obtained from Toms Autos, More FM, or www.rallywairarapa.co.nz These then need to be returned to Toms Autos or More FM by 4pm on Friday 27 April, or handed into the Copthorne Hotel by 5.30pm that evening. The winner will then be announced during the Driver Signing session at the Copthorne and they must then be present to receive their prize.

The significant community involvement continues out on the event over the two days of competition, with many from the Wairarapa and Tararua districts volunteering as officials and marshals. However two groups that will be taking full advantage of the hungry hoards will be the Pongaroa Scouts, and Mauriceville School.

Every year community groups have taken turns to sell food and drinks at the Service Parks located in Pongaroa and Eketahuna, keeping the captive audience of service crews, spectators, media, officials and competitors fed and watered at these central servicing areas.

This year the Pongaroa Scouts are fund raising for a Jamboree, while the Mauriceville School fundraising committee will operate out of Eketahuna. “It is an ideal opportunity for us to support the local community, where they can make the most of the hundreds of people we bring into their area for the day”, say John Clunie.

With over 60 entries already confirmed, this years event is looking to be fantastic, not only for Masterton as the main base, but also for the outlying areas that the event visits over the two days.

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
• 240km of competitive Special Stages, 129km on Saturday, 110km on Sunday
• www.rallywairarapa.co.nz

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