Rallies reorganise in wake of virus

The International Rally of Whangarei and the Canterbury Rally have become the latest victims of the coronavirus, with organisers postponing the events.

The Whangarei race, which is also the third round of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship, was due to take place on May 8-10.

MotorSport New Zealand’s recent decision to suspend all activity for two months has forced the postponement of the Whangarei rally. Organising committee chairman Willard Martin says an update on the event will be made on April 23. 

“We are naturally disappointed to be caught-up in this ever-changing situation,” he says. “As much as people are attempting to go about their lives the current reality today is, we cannot run on our allocated date.

“While we still have the backing and support of the local council and infrastructure to proceed, we must be certain it can be run before committing a new date to the calendar.”

The Canterbury Rally, which doubles as the third round of the Mainland Rally Series, was due to run on May 31 but has been pushed back to October 24-25 because of Covid-19.

New date for Indy 500 

As the pandemic continues, it has also led to changes for some of the world’s biggest motoring events, including the Formula One championship.

The latest to be affected is the Indianapolis 500, which was set for May 24 but has been rescheduled for August 23.