See the Fiesta S2000 at Repco Wairau Road this weekend

To further support the 40th anniversary of the iconic Rally New Zealand this year, Repco is hosting New Zealand rally driver Andrew Keighley, his co-driver Jonathan Kane and their Fiesta S2000 at Wairau Road Repco this weekend on Auckland’s North Shore.

“With Rally New Zealand just around the corner, it’s an excellent time to generate some interest in what’s going on in the New Zealand rally scene,” says Mark Brunton, Executive General Manager Repco New Zealand.

Under previous regulations a road-going version of an all-wheel-drive road car was required to be successful in competitions such as the New Zealand Rally Championship.

In mid-2006 the FIA (Federation International Automobile) introduced Super 2000. Under Super 2000 regulations you can take a standard car, add a two-litre non-turbo engine and a dedicated all-wheel-drive transmission.

Motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, has also given the go-ahead for a new category of competition in the World Rally Championship specifically for drivers of Super 2000 cars. Motorsport New Zealand has also approved the Super 2000 category cars to compete in the New Zealand Rally Championship from 2010. This will see Super 2000 and Group N4 cars compete together in the same category at the Premier Level of the sport.

New to Rally New Zealand (May 6th to 9th) this year is the Hampton Downs Super Special Carnival on Saturday 8th May. The new tarmac circuit is being used for two runs of a super special stage for rally competitors, and the day’s action will be complemented by Red Bull drifting and freestyle motocross demonstrations, other races, displays, activities and the remote service park for WRC competitors.

Tickets for this one-day event are $20 for adults; children under 15 free. The same costs apply for the three other stages: 7th May – Whangarei/Kaipara; 8th May – Franklin/North Waikato; 9th May – Raglan. All tickets are available exclusively at Repco and online at www.repco.co.nz.

Complementing the official rally stages are a series of free events including a driver signing and demonstration at Sky City from 2pm on Sunday 2nd May; driver signing and ceremonial start at the Auckland Viaduct from 4pm on Thursday 6th May; and a super special stage through the Auckland Domain from 5:30pm on Friday 7th May.

To check out the Fiesta S2000, come to Repco Wairau Road between 11am to 2pm this Saturday 24th April where you can talk to the Repco girls, be in to win rally tickets and merchandise and other spot prizes.