Something super special for this year’s Rally NZ

Joint media release

Rally New Zealand, AucklandCity Council and Tourism Auckland

21 April 2010

Something super special for this year’s Rally New Zealand

Auckland Domain is set to be in the headlights next month when Aucklandhosts Rally New Zealand, the local round of the FIAWorld Rally Championship, from 6 to 9 May.

For the first time since 1990, a super special stage will be run in the Auckland Domain. The 1.5km route will take competitors around a selection of the Domain’s sealed roads in the dark of an early May evening.

Rally New Zealandchairman Chris Carrsays the inclusion of the Auckland Domain in the official route of Rally New Zealandstems from a desire to ensure at least one competitive rally stage was run in close proximity to central Aucklandand its legions of rally fans.

“The Domain stage layout has been designed to provide excellent spectator viewing within the natural contours of the picturesque Domain. Feedback from the WRC teams is that they are excited to be competing in the heart of Aucklandcity and helping to bring the rally to the people,” he says.

Mayor of Aucklandcity, Hon John Banks, says the Domain is a particularly special venue in which to run a super special stage during the 40th anniversary of Rally New Zealand.

“Auckland City Council and Rally New Zealandhave worked together to raise the bar with this event to ensure it is world-class for spectators, as well competitors and their teams. This has included facilitating the Auckland Domain Super Special Stage, which is going to be a great spectacle in an historic environment that we will be taking every possible step to protect throughout the event.”

The same Domain route is also being used for the ‘shakedown’ on Thursday 6 May, when competitors get their one and only official test session before the rally commences on Friday morning.

Tourism Aucklandchief executive, Graeme Osborne, is delighted that one of Auckland’s prime visitor destinations will be showcased during the super special stage of the rally.

“Auckland Domain and its WarMemorialMuseumhave great significance for the region. It’s excellent news that such a popular visitor destination will take pole position in this high profile sporting event,” he says.

QueensWharfis another key Aucklandvenue during this year’s Rally New Zealand, providing the base for all rally teams to set up their main service area for the entire event.The public have a fantastic opportunity to see the WRC service crews in action at the service park and get up close to the drivers during autograph signing sessions.There will also be a free live TV broadcast of the rally stages on the big screen at QueensWharfthroughout the event.A free bus will be running from the Queens Wharf Service park to the Auckland Domain and back for the Super Special Stage on Friday, 7 May.The council is also offering specially-priced parking in the Downtown car park from 4.30pmthat day. People can park for only $5 at the Downtown car park, and catch the free bus from outside the Ferry Terminal building to the Domain event and back. Vouchers will be available on the bus and must presented to the cashier when paying to redeem the discount.

For more information about Rally New Zealand 2010, visit www.rallynz.org.nzor www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/events

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