New challenge awaits at Rally Waitomo

Six special stages and 207 kilometres of competitive action await competitors at Rally Waitomo, the penultimate round of the 2017 Brian Green Property Group NZ Rally Championship. Photo: Geoff Ridder

A new challenge awaits competitors at Rally Waitomo, the penultimate round of the 2017 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship on Saturday 14th October. The event marks the return of the NZRC to the roads of the King Country and Waitomo districts for the first time in over a decade, providing a fresh challenge and a level playing field for drivers.

The rally will feature six special stages in the Ohura, Piopio and Waitomo areas covering a competitive distance of 207 kilometres with no repeated stages. With five of the special stages over 30 kilometres in length and the shortest stage at 16 kilometres in length, speed and endurance will both be factors.

Event Director Chris Ramsay says the quality of the Waitomo stages is among the best in the country. “The gravel stages in the Waitomo district are a mix of tight and technical roads that will have drivers wrestling lock to lock, through to fast high speed sections requiring lots of commitment.”

A feature of the rally will be the 45 kilometre Te Koroha stage, which doubles as the final and also longest stage of the event. “This road has been used several times in Rally New Zealand in the past and was often the decider, the event definitely won’t be over until drivers have crossed the finish line of this stage,” states Ramsay.

Along with a number of prime spectator viewing areas through the event, rally fans will get a chance to get up and close with the drivers and cars at a pre-event ceremonial start at Hamilton’s Rototuna Shopping Centre on Friday evening 13th October.

Ramsay says the return of the Waitomo Rally has been made possible with great support from the region. “We’ve had great support from the Otorohonga, Ruapehu and Waitomo District councils and their residents. We’re looking forward to bringing a great event into the region.”

A bumper field of entries expected for the Waitomo Rally as leading NZRC crews from across the country competes for points in the penultimate round of the championship.

Full event information including entry forms will be available early August from the Hamilton Car Club and New Zealand Rally Championship websites.