by Harry Perachi
Kiwi driver Shane van Gisbergen has confirmed presence in the Repco New Rally Zealand between 29 September to 2 October in Auckland. The two-time Supercars champion and 2020 Bathurst winner is excited to be part the FIA World Rally Championship event which will feature the best rally drivers on the
globe including fellow New Zealander Hayden Paddon.
Van Gisbergen, who currently leads the Supercars Championship, is no stranger to trying other motorsports categories. Last year, he won the Battle of Jack’s Ridge rally sprint and finished top-five in his class at his first attempt at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race.
He said it was the childhood memories of Rally New Zealand that led to seeking this opportunity. “I’ve been around it a long time and going to all the rallies when I was young watching Rally New Zealand. It has always been a dream to do it but I’ve never really had the chance.”
“My favourite memories were as a young kid. Before the Manukau Super Stage was built, they had it up the road at Totara Park which was not far from where I grew up. It was in the early 90s and it was at night. I remember being on dad’s shoulders watching the cars go through there.” Shane remembers his father
competed, and managed to be faster than the WRX cars due to the advantage of local knowledge and usually wet conditions.
Support comes from Perth-based Race Torque, a company run by kiwis with heaps of experience in rallying, and his co-driver, former Australian champion, Glen Weston from Brisbane.
“I am looking forward to be part of it”, Shane continues. “I just want to do a good job and keep it straight, be there at the end and be part of this incredible event.”
For more information visit www.rallynewzealand.com . Tickets for spectator zones throughout the rally are now on sale. Rally New Zealand has a multi-stage access ticket for Friday and Saturday for $35 per day. The ticket for the final day costs $59 and includes entry to the power stage and car parking next to the
venue.
Further options are available at Jack’s Ridge including the Gold Pass zone ($99) or VIP hospitality tickets ($300+GST), and more details around spectator points and the itinerary will be available in the coming weeks. Limited Gold Passes can also be purchased and will provide premium spectating across the four days along with unique Gold Pass merchandise.
