Entries Open for Copthorne Bay of Islands Far North Rally

Entries for one of the most anticipated New Zealand motorsport events in the last few years are now open.

The rally, to be held on Saturday 2nd July, departs Williams Street Carpark in Paihia at 0700 with the first car scheduled to arrive back at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Waitangi around 1555. The nine hours between will see the field tackle eight special stages ranging in length from 9.69 kilometres to the mammoth 38.26 km Mobil Kaitaia Duncan Loop Stage Three north-east of Kaitaia.

The gravel roads of the Far-North present competitors, crews, and spectators with some of the best rally roads in New Zealand. The combination of twisty, tight, heavily cambered country roads and fast, open, flowing stages are a microcosm of everything that New Zealand rally roads are lauded internationally for.

Strong interest has been indicated from some of the quickest drivers and most exciting cars in the North Island.

Defending champion from 2019, Ben Hunt, has indicated an interest in entering his Skoda Fabia WRC R5 along with Raana Horan and Kingsley Jones in their Fabia R5s.

A solid field of New Zealand Rally Championship specification AP4 cars is also expected. Jack Hawkeswood and Haydyn Mackenzie (Toyota Yaris) have joined 2011 Far North Rally winner Dylan Turner (Audi S1) and multi-time Targa winner Glenn Inkster (Mazda 2) to express their interest.

The F40 Motorsport Classic Rally is expected to feature a David v Goliath battle. Defending champion and classic rally sponsor Steve Cox will play David in his 1300cc Toyota Starlet against the mighty V8 Hillman Hunter of Jeff Ward.

Far North Rally Chairman, Bob Mitchell said “With only seven weeks until the green flag drops, we are confident that this will be an exciting and successful event. We have consulted with several hapu, iwi and local community groups who have been incredibly supportive. Our rally creates significant benefits to Te Tai Tokerau rūnanga, with 1200 bed nights and approximately $270,000 injected into the local economy.”

Limited opportunities for event sponsorship remain with stage naming rights and promotional opportunities available. Local businesses with an eye for exciting and cost-effective marketing are encouraged to contact the organisers.

Full details of the event, including spectator information and supplementary regulations and entry forms are available at www.farnorthrally.nz.