Malcolm Stewart Classic Rally Introduction

Press Release - 7 August 2010

The 2010 edition of the Trusthouse Racetech Rally Wairarapa sees a major new initiative established. The inclusion of the inaugural Malcolm Stewart Classic Rally within the overall event. Classic rallying is the fastest growing area of the sport worldwide, so giving prominence to the classic cars, and the often classic competitors, at Rally Wairarapa is the ideal way to celebrate a number of aspects that are close to the heart of the organisers. “Preserving our sporting history is vitally important, and rallying is a significant part of our proud motorsport heritage”, says rally secretary Bruce Sollitt. “Cars sitting in museums does little to allow new generations appreciate the importance of the vehicles and the people who drove them. They need to be experienced in action as they were intended to be used.” Certainly the sight, sound and smell of a rally car in competition is a potent and immediate way to experience our sporting history.

Malcolm Stewart in the Audi Quatro at Rally NZ 1986 Photo Courtesy: John Crouch

In order to encourage this, Rally Wairapapa has joined with the (now) world renowned Otago Classic Rally to create the Classic Challenge Trophy, contested over the two events. This will provide a platform for the classic classes to grow on an annual basis. This part of the event is also a fitting way to remember and pay respect to Malcolm Stewart. Having first rallied in the 1970s, Malcolm was a long time competitor, supporter of this event and support of the wider region, until his passing in July 2009. From his farm near Dannevirke, he brought home the national rally championship title in 1983 driving a Ford Escort BDA. He contested Rally New Zealand 29 times out of the 39 that had been run, and had his best result of first Kiwi home and fifth overall in 1985 driving the Group B Audi Quattro. Even in later years he was still fast, having won Rally Nelson in 2003. As a celebration of Malcolm’s achievements, Rally Wairarapa will be hosting not only members of his family, support crew, and previous Co-drivers, but the legendary Group B Audi Quattro will be on display. This is the only ex works factory Quattro thought to be in private hands, in the world. The Trusthouse Racetech Rally Wairarapa runs over two days, 11 – 12 September 2010, and covers 230km of competitive stages on the gravel roads around Masterton and Eketahuna. It is the final round of the Vantage Aluminium New Zealand Rally Championship, and the third round of the Geartech Central Region Rally Series  Fast Facts • Round 5 of Vantage Aluminium NZ Rally Championship • Round 3 of Geartech Central Region Rally Series, (points scoring based on Saturdays results only) • Round 2 of the Classic Challenge Trophy • 14 Special Stages, 6 on Saturday 11 September, and 8 on Sunday 12 September • 230km of competitive Special Stages, 113km on Saturday, 117km on Sunday • Malcolm Stewart's Group B Audi Quattro on display For more information, contact Rally Wairarapa Media Liaison Jody Seabright jody@seabrightmotorsport.co.nz Mobile 021 717676