Jack’s Ridge announced as Power Stage venue for Rally NZ

The manufacturer of the leading team in the 2022 World Rally Championship, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s (TGR) local arm have today announced they are the latest elite sponsor to get behind Repco Rally New Zealand, to be staged in and around Auckland from 29 September to 2nd October.

TGR and Toyota globally have supported motorsport for over 60 years through all manner of motorsport including the WRC with the GR Yaris, WEC, Dakar Rally and other domestic championships.

Locally, TGR supports up-and-coming kiwi drivers to elevate them on the world stage through their local motorsport activity – Castrol Toyota Racing Series and the Toyota 86 Championship. The Castrol Toyota Racing Series has produced 20 drivers that have gone on to Formula One.

“We are excited to be sponsoring the 2022 Repco Rally New Zealand and welcome WRC back to New Zealand shores after ten years,” says Andrew Davis, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand General Manager. “TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s brand is about performance, passion, and innovation so we are excited to extend this into the rally world.”

TGR’s support of Repco Rally New Zealand comes after their recent partnership with Jack Hawkeswood who is competing in the New Zealand rally championship and Repco Rally New Zealand in a Toyota GR Yaris with support from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing NZ.

Repco Rally New Zealand CEO, Michael Goldstein said the event was thrilled to have the support from TGR.

“Toyota are a renowned global brand that has supported motorsport for decades and the TGR vision to help develop emerging kiwi talent resonates with our event on many levels.“They are part-and-parcel of rally globally and a household name, not just in motorsport in this country, but in the every-day lives of New Zealanders.”

It is in Jack Hawkeswood’s backyard that Repco Rally New Zealand today have also announced that the historic return of the World Rally Championship to New Zealand will culminate with the Jack’s Ridge Power Stage.

The Jack’s Ridge venue, in Whitford on the outskirts of Auckland, will play host to the final day of the Repco Rally New Zealand with the road now transformed into a testing 6.5km stage to be used for multiple stages on the final day of the rally, culminating in the Wolf Power Stage.

“This is a purpose-built rally venue and will put Repco Rally New Zealand on the global map,” said Goldstein.

“We couldn’t dream of a better Power Stage venue. Jack’s Ridge is only 30 minutes from downtown Auckland and has been created to ensure the best possible fan experience for the estimated 12,000 fans set to experience this world class rally experience.

“The stage will feature a number of exhilarating jumps, technical corners and a huge variety of different spectator areas. We are hugely grateful to the Hawkeswood family for everything they have done to create this iconic venue for rallying in New Zealand.

Sunday 2 October will feature a full day of racing at Jack’s Ridge leading into the deciding Wolf Power Stage to be held within a broadcast window from 3 – 430pm, during which the winner of Repco Rally New Zealand will be crowned.

Tickets for the Repco Rally New Zealand go on sale this Wednesday at www.rallynewzealand.com