Plans are already coming together for a huge celebration of 50 years of rallying in New Zealand.
In 2017, two tours are planned – one in the North Island in March, and another in the South Island in May.
Paul Smith, rally organiser, says, “Rallying has been in New Zealand coming up 50 years in 2017, and we plan to celebrate with two tours taking in some of the old roads, and by inviting people who have been involved in rallying for the last 50 years to come along. I guess it’s a reunion, with a social side of reminiscing.”
To date there have been 50 responses to the call for participants. While the tours will happen during working hours, Paul says they realise rallying is a social event. “The plan is at this stage to work the tours around office hours and to hook up with local car clubs at all the overnight stops.”
To gain good interest in the event, the organising committee have drummed up some pretty famous names in New Zealand rallying. Paul adds; “The plotting group of John Coker, Dennis Green, Mojo and Rob Scott has probably, between them, the most rallying and plotting experience of any four guys in the country so I have every faith in their ability to come up with the goods.”
So far the event is looking to be an incredible two tours of history and camaraderie that New Zealand rallying has always been known for.
Autoclique will continue to promote the event as we get new information.
Links:
History of rallying in New Zealand (to 2005)
http://2014.silverfernrally.co.nz/about/history
New Zealand rallying history Facebook page