New Challenges at Rally Xtreme in 2013
Following a highly successful inaugural season, the Total Lubricants Rally Xtreme Challenge is about to kick off for
2013, and already it is shaping to be better than last year.
Total Lubricants have reinvested as the naming rights sponsor and have increased their involvement with their ‘Win the
rally ride of your life’ competition. Plus Rally Xtreme is pleased to welcome on board a number of new sponsors. “The
level of support is fantastic”, says series organiser Geof Argyle. “It shows how successful our concept has been, with
the greater level of interest this year”.
The first of the 5 round series will be the MTA Rally of Maramarua south of Auckland on 20th April and already entries
are rolling in for the Challenge. “It is looking like an exciting field of cars and drivers”, says Competitor Liaison
manager Tanya Gwynne. “We have a wide range, from the very experienced Brian Green who started competing in the early
70s to 17 year old Max Bayley who is starting his first full season of rallying this year”.
With a number of competitors returning from last year and equally a number of new competitors attracted to the
Challenge, the competition is shaping up to be an interesting mix. “We are still taking entries for the Challenge”, says
Tanya. “There is no upper limit to how many we can accommodate”. Meaning that the Challenge will again provide a high
level of competition, that is enjoyable for drivers and spectators alike.
Adding to the Challenge this year are new prizes to spice up the competition. Brian Green Properties will be presenting
a “Driver of the Rally” award at each round, which will give that person a free entry into the next round. Rather than
just being for the fastest, this award will recognise all of the aspects that go into rally sport, including dedication,
endurance, sportsmanship, perseverance, and commitment.
The return of the nominated Power Stage at each event will also see cash prizes offered to the fastest. But not just the
overall fastest, where each round will see the spotlight fall on a different class, meaning that everyone has the
opportunity to shine throughout the season.
However one of the key aspects this year has been the announcement that the Total Lubricants Rally Xtreme Challenge is
supporting the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Donated items will be auctioned off during the prizegiving at each event and all
money raised will be presented to the charity at the end of the season, to assist with granting a wish to a child with a
life threatening medical condition. “We are delighted to be able to support this fantastic charity and give back to the
communities who do so much to support us”, says Tanya. In addition to the auctions, Rally Xtreme will be accepting
donations to put towards the overall total.
As the countdown continues to the first round at the MTA Rally of Maramarua, the competitors will be looking forward to
the 5 events that cover the North Island from Paihia to the Manawatu, and hundreds of kilometres of exciting sideways
action.
For more information see www.rallyxtreme.co.nz
Brian Green competing in his ex-works WRC Ford Escort - Rally Hawkes Bay 2012
Photo Credit: Jody Seabright
Calendar: Total Lubricants RALLY XTREME Challenge 2013
Round 1 - 20 April - MTA Rally of Maramarua
Round 2 - 2 June - Tomoana Warehousing Hawkes Bay Rally
Round 3 - 29 June - GoPro Daybreaker Rally, Manawatu
Round 4 - 17 August - Pahia Rally, Rally of the North
Round 5 - 7 September - Possum Bourne Memorial Rally
ENDS