New rally event coming to your screens

Sky Sport has announced it will provide live coverage of the final action from the Battle of Jacks Ridge rally sprint event happening in Auckland in November.

A number of the country’s best rally drivers will tackle a two-kilometre purpose-built gravel road course, featuring high speed jumps, technical corners and proximity to spectators on former New Zealand champion Andrew Hawkeswood’s Whitford property.

Sky Sport will broadcast the final runs of the November 15 event during four hours of live coverage, which will be fronted by a line-up including Sky Speed hosts Stephen McIvor and four-time Bathurst winner Greg Murphy.

Peter Johnston, chairman of Rally New Zealand, says having Sky Sport broadcast the event is a massive coup for the sport.

“From the moment we first spoke to them, Sky has been very supportive and has recognised what we can achieve together,” he adds. “The coverage will be world class and will give viewers the closest possible experience to be being there in person.”

Rally New Zealand revealed details in June of the City of Auckland Rally and the Battle of Jacks Ridge. The events on November 14 and 15, respectively, were introduced to the calendar after the World Rally Championship (WRC) round was axed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Stages that were planned to be used for this year’s FIA World Rally Championship event, which was due to be held in September, will feature in the double-header of action.

Murphy, pictured, did some rally driving in the latter part of his career and says he is keen to be involved in the Battle of Jacks Ridge.

“I have a massive love of rallying,” he explains. “I was so excited about the WRC coming to New Zealand and then so disappointed when Covid-19 prevented that from happening.

“When it was proposed we do the Battle of Jacks Ridge I was only too keen to lend a hand. It is going to be an amazing event and I am thrilled that I can play a role via my broadcast duties with Sky Sport and potentially drive in the event as well.”

Hayden Paddon, New Zealand’s most successful rally driver, will be the star attraction and is an ambassador for the event.

“Like everyone I was disappointed that Rally New Zealand was not possible this year but I cannot wait to compete on that world class stage and in front of Kiwi rally fans,” Paddon said. “Jacks Ridge is a phenomenal rally stage and will make for one heck of an event.”

To pre-register for tickets to the Battle of Jacks Ridge, click here. For more details about the event, visit www.rallynewzealand.com.