Hyundai NZ hails rally return
Hyundai New Zealand is the first “elite sponsor” to back Rally New Zealand, which returns to the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar this year.
News of the company’s involvement came as Mt Smart Stadium was announced as a base for the event’s service park and rally village for fans when the action hits Auckland in September.
A historic Super Special Stage is also set to be run inside the stadium on Friday and Saturday of the rally, which is being held from September 3-6 and boasts Kiwi driver Hayden Paddon as its ambassador.
Andy Sinclair, general manager of Hyundai New Zealand, says the company is excited about the return of WRC to New Zealand and “proud” to support Rally New Zealand.
“Locally, we’ve been involved in rallying since 2014 when we established the Hyundai New Zealand rally team with Hayden,” Sinclair adds. “Not only will Hayden play an integral part in Rally New Zealand as the event ambassador, he will help bring our campaign to life in the lead up and during the event.
“We’re also excited to welcome back the Hyundai world rally team to our country to compete in their first Rally New Zealand since 2003, and will be working with them on their WRC campaign.”
Phil Goff, mayor of Auckland, says he is delighted the city will host the WRC again after an eight-year hiatus.
“Mt Smart has capacity for 30,000 fans and has good transport connectivity, including proximity to rail and bus services,” he says. “It will be a great event for locals and for visitors to Auckland, who help boost our local economy."
Organisers expect to announce the rally route, more sponsors and other event news in the coming weeks.
Fans are encouraged to pre-register for tickets via www.rallynewzealand.com
