Confirmed Date for Rally Wairarapa

The Trusthouse Racetech Rally Wairarapa is pleased to confirm the new date for their event as 28 -29 April 2012. This will mean that the event becomes the second round of the New Zealand Rally Championship, first round of the Central Region Rally Series, and first round of the Xtreme Rally Challenge. Coupled with this is the Malcolm Stewart Classic Rally, run within the overall event. This celebration of our rallying history will now be the first round of the Classic Challenge Trophy, which is paired with the International Classic Rally of Otago.

The Fabulous Wairarapa Roads in April 2008 Photo Credit - Jody Seabright

With only four weeks between these two fantastic events the opportunity to contest the Classic Challenge trophy has never been better, and together they make for a great double header. Especially for any international drivers intending to compete at Otago. “We think this is a great opportunity”, says rally chairman Bruce Sollitt. “Both events have their own unique character and present different challenges for the drivers.” To that end the organising committee at Rally Wairarapa are able to assist with logistic packages to enable overseas competitors to do both events easily. “We’re ideally placed to host competitors, with the excellent facilities at Solway Park”, adds Sollitt. The use of the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park for the Rally HQ makes for a very relaxed and comfortable event, especially as it provides 4 star accommodation and restaurant facilities all within the one complex. The last time that Rally Wairarapa was run in April was 2008, where dry and hard packed road conditions made for fast times and spectacular viewing. With warmer weather and dry conditions anticipated once again, the organising committee aren’t resting on their laurels from a great event last year. For 2012 some new challenges are being sought and new roads are being looked at. “We always want to give the competitors something new and challenging if we can”, says Clerk of the Course Dave Davies. However this doesn’t mean throwing away the group of favourite stages that have become an established part of the event, helping to create the event’s unique character. “The idea is to keep the event fresh so it doesn’t become boring or predictable”, continues Davies. With the excellent ongoing support of Trusthouse and Racetech the 2012 edition of Rally Wairarapa is shaping up to be another great event. For more information on logistical support and pre registration contact Bruce Sollitt 027 543 738 or email bsollitt@xtra.co.nz