Kiwi rally competitors have another opportunity to benchmark themselves directly against international drivers contesting this year’s International Rally of Whangarei with up to four drivers receiving wildcard entry status for Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) points.
For the first time, organisers of the International Rally of Whangarei can invite applications for wildcard APRC entries.
General manager Paul Mallard explains: “Regulations state that up to four wildcard, or local driver, nominations are available for New Zealand drivers to start with the APRC registered group on day one of the International Rally of Whangarei. The selected drivers will be eligible to score points in the APRC series with their Whangarei result.”
Mallard says it’s free to apply for the wildcard and there’s no additional entry fee payable for the successful applicants. “To enter, drivers must already be registered New Zealand Rally Championship competitors and pay their usual NZRC entry fee for the International Rally of Whangarei.
“One benefit is, if they elect to contest any additional APRC events at their own cost – with Whangarei the third of this year’s seven APRC rounds – they may find themselves in an excellent position to do well in this well-regarded regional FIA rally championship.”
By starting with the international APRC competitors, the successful wildcard applicants can more closely demonstrate their talents against international competition.
Furthermore the APRC television coverage is broadcast through Asia on the ESPN STAR Sports network, through Europe on Motors-TV, in China on GD-TV and Australia on FoxSports. Highlights are also featured on the WRC Rally World series and through South America on FoxSports – any of the wildcards that feature in the top five APRC finishers will automatically get exposure to millions of TV viewers. Further TV information: http://www.aprc.tv/television.php
Mallard says applications for the wildcard should consist of a letter setting out five reasons why the driver should be selected and should be sent to paul@rallynz.org.nz by 9am on Monday 7 June 2010. Late applications will not be accepted. Selections will be made on the basis of furthering the growth of New Zealand rallying at an international level and applicants must be NZRC-registered. The decision will be announced on Friday 11 June 2010. The judges’ decision is final and the International Rally of Whangarei reserves the right not to award some or all of the wildcards.
More details about the International Rally of Whangarei are available on the event website, http://www.aprc.tv/
ENDS/
For further information, please contact:
Paul Mallard, general manager, International Rally of Whangarei
Mob + 64 21 272 5596; email paul@rallynz.org.nz
Kate Gordon, media manager, International Rally of Whangarei
Mob: 021 587 227; email: kate@rallynz.org.nz
For further information on the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship: http://www.fiaaprc.com/
2010 Calendar
Rd 1 – 24-25 April – Malaysian Rally (Asia Cup)
Rd 2 – 22-23 May – Rally Hokkaido, Japan (Asia Cup)
Rd 3 – 3-4 July – International Rally of Whangarei, New Zealand (Pacific Cup)
Rd 4 – 31 July – 1 August – International Rally of Queensland, Australia (Pacific Cup)
Rd 5 – 28-29 August – Rallye de Nouvelle Caledonie (Pacific Cup)
Rd 6 – 25-26 September – Rally Indonesia (Asia Cup)
Rd 7 – 6-7 November – China Rally (Asia Cup)
