MotorSport New Zealand to again select Asia Pacific Rally Championship finalists for 2022

MotorSport New Zealand again will nominate five competitors to participate in the 2022 Asia Pacific Rally Championship final at Coffs Habour, Australia, on 18-20 November this year.

The process will be the same as used in 2021 when border closures prevented international competitors from competing in Rally Otago and Rally Whangarei, which would usually be two rounds of the APRC in New Zealand.

Because these events will not form part of those international competitions, APRC finalists can be selected by MotorSport New Zealand as the FIA’s ASN for New Zealand.

“We’re incredibly pleased to be able to keep the door open to kiwi’s competing in the APRC final despite the continued challenges COVID-19 has thrown at us,” said Elton Goonan, CEO of MotorSport New Zealand.

“Whilst it is disappointing that there will be no APRC or Pacific Cup events in New Zealand this year, there is a silver lining with the ability for finalists still being able to be selected to compete through the ASN.

“And of course, the World Rally Championship is returning to NZ after a long break so kiwi competitors will still be able to get a taste of international competition on home gravel.”

Helping to boost the kiwi competitors is a grant from the APRC Working Group. Each of the five finalists will be able to access $3,000NZD to assist them in competing at the event.

Competitors must register their interest to participate in the APRC final at www.rallywhangarei.co.nz/aprc-finale-intention-to-compete/ before the Rally of Otago to be considered for selection. Selection will be based on the competitors’ performance measured by points achieved in the Rally of Otago and Rally of Whangerei.