Brother Rally New Zealand launches new MotorExp

RSL Staff

– May 25, 2012Posted in: News, WRC

As the FIA World Rally Championship’s seventh round of the season kicks off in Auckland on 21 June, organisers of Brother Rally New Zealand open the doors to a brand-new MotorExpo and FanZone in Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre.

The MotorExpo has attracted numerous new vehicle marques including Citroën, Ford, Mini, Mitsubishi, Skoda, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen with each displaying various new models and interactive entertainment for rally fans to enjoy.

Naming rights’ sponsor Brother reveals an exciting virtual rally car simulator competition called The Brother Cup. It’s the first time this type of racing simulator has been put through its paces in New Zealand with participants competing in teams of two – one as driver and the other as co-driver – to see which crew is the fastest. The grand prize sees the winning team step up to receive The Brother Cup on the official winners’ podium at the closing ceremony, plus a two-day course with the country’s best rally driving tutors, Rally Drive New Zealand.

Peter (‘PJ’) Johnston, chairman of Rally of New Zealand, says: “We’re also delighted to welcome iconic energy drink Red Bull and mobile phone provider Skinny to our new rally MotorExpo and FanZone.

“The MotorExpo inside the Viaduct Events Centre will be a fantastic location from which to enjoy the rally. While it’s hard to beat getting out into the rally stages for the authentic rally experience, with live rally coverage on the big screens, everything that’s going on at the MotorExpo and being able to watch the talented WRC crews in action in the Service Park which surrounds the Viaduct Events Centre, fans can enjoy being right at the heart of the action,” says Johnston.

Racetech, the world-leading designer and manufacturer of composite and carbon fibre race seats, also features at the MotorExpo. Among their product displays will be their FIA-approved WRC-style race seats and brilliant range of GoPro cameras.

Official Brother Rally New Zealand and WRC team merchandise from Citroën, Ford and Mini will be on sale, as will a range of food and drinks.

There are also great opportunities to meet the drivers at the Viaduct Events Centre. These include the driver autograph signing session at 4:45 pm on Thursday, 21 June and the end of day press conferences on the main stage on Friday, 22 June around 7:15 pm and Saturday, 23 June around 7:30 pm.

The MotorExpo and FanZone inside the Viaduct Events Centre are open from 10 am Friday, Saturday and Sunday with free entry.

A special rally family day takes place on Sunday 17 June at the Viaduct Events Centre. With free entry, opportunities for driver autographs, cars on display, fun activities and entertainment for all ages, the rally family day is a great way to preview the upcoming action. Full details are soon to be published.

Brother Rally New Zealand gets underway on Thursday 21 June with the official test session, or shakedown, and qualifying stages for all competitors on stages near Helensville and Kaukapakapa. The rally action takes competitors south of Auckland to Te Akau and Raglan’s famous Whaanga Coast stage on Friday. On Saturday they head north to Whangarei via the Kaipara and Northland roads the drivers love. Sunday’s action covers some new stages around Puhoi and Kaukapakapa and the free-for-everyone Auckland Domain super special stage before the ceremonial finish takes place in Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter, just along from the Viaduct Events Centre.

Detailed spectator and ticket information and current news is available on the event website www.rallynz.org.nz or follow the event on Facebook or Twitter.