NZ superspecial revamped.
Rally fans can expect more spectacular racing after organisers decided that changes needed to be made to Manukau City's superspecial stage in time for April's Propecia Rally New Zealand.
Organisers have earmarked changes to the specially constructed 2.1 km figure-eight circuit, which will be the opening stage of this year's fourth round of the FIA World Rally Championship on 15-18 April. The superspecial, which will run on both Thursday and Friday of the event, incorporates jumps and water splashes, with competitors racing side by side through the timed run.
Rally fans can expect more spectacular racing after organisers decided that changes needed to be made to Manukau City's superspecial stage in time for April's Propecia Rally New Zealand.
Organisers have earmarked changes to the specially constructed 2.1 km figure-eight circuit, which will be the opening stage of this year's fourth round of the FIA World Rally Championship on 15-18 April. The superspecial, which will run on both Thursday and Friday of the event, incorporates jumps and water splashes, with competitors racing side by side through the timed run.
"Several of the corners and main sweeper have been modified to allow drivers to race at greater speed and this will provide more spectacular action at this popular stage,'' event chairman, Morrie Chandler, said, "The biggest change to the stage involves an extension to the exit from the bridge, before cars turn left at a new banked corner.
This will result in the cars going airborne over the bridge.''
Organisers have relocated the corporate hospitality area to allow for these changes.
It is the first time that the stage will be used on two consecutive evenings of the rally, with two timed runs over the stage on each evening. Thursday evening's entertainment will also include a ceremonial start, introducing the drivers from the leading teams.
Delays in the expansion of the motorway system, earmarked for the area currently used for the superspecial, have provided rally organisers with added opportunities at Manukau City, with several corporate hospitality options still available.
The Propecia-sponsored event starts with two superspecial stages at Manukau City on the evening of Thursday 15 April. The first full day takes in the Kaipara region, before returning for two further superspecial stages at Manukau City. Saturday's racing returns to Kaipara, with the last day in the Waikato region near Raglan. The final stage will be the internationally acclaimed Whaanga Coast, with the ceremonial finish in downtown Auckland city on Sunday afternoon.
