Rally scholarship offers chance for young driver

11 February 2003

Press Release 5 – Immediate Release

Rally scholarship offers chance for young NZ driver

Propecia Rally New Zealand, the fourth round of the FIA World Rally Championships in April, will again act as a launching pad for young Kiwi driving talent.

Rally New Zealand announced this week that sponsors Merck Sharp & Dohme will again support the Propecia Rally New Zealand Scholarship this year.

The $25,000 package for the winner will include an educational travel award consisting of travel to an overseas round of the WRC, a cash grant of $10,000 and a package consisting of an entry to compete in the 2004 Propecia Rally New Zealand, plus accommodation and fuel.

The scholarship provides a talented New Zealand rally driver with the opportunity to compete in the New Zealand round of the FIA WRC plus travel overseas to experience the operations and workings of an international round of the championship.

``It’s a wonderful opportunity for young New Zealand rally drivers to get a taste of the highest level of the sport and see if it’s for them,’’ Propecia Rally New Zealand Chairman and Clerk of Course Morrie Chandler said.

``It would be the ultimate if we can develop a New Zealand driver to reach the top level in the sport, and this generous sponsorship is an important stepping stone for our best young drivers.’’

Current scholarship winner Richard Mason (Masterton) was assisted to compete in October’s Propecia Rally New Zealand and also attended the final round of the WRC in Britain in November.

The change of dates for the New Zealand round of the WRC from October to April 10-13 has required a change in the scholarship to offer benefits to the 2004 Propecia Rally New Zealand.

Entry is open for New Zealand residents 30 years of less with applications open until 1 August. The successful applicant will be announced at the final round of the Parker-Enzed New Zealand Rally Championship in Hawkes Bay on 16 August.

Propecia Rally New Zealand will start in Auckland City on Thursday 10 April, with the first two days of racing in the Kaipara region in Northland and the Manukau Super Special Stage to be held on the evening of Saturday 12 April. The final day of racing is based on roads in the Waikato region at Te Akau and Maramarua Forest. The event concludes on Sunday 13 April in Manukau City.

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