Charges likely after crash cancels eighth stage of Whangarei rally

A crash which saw a ute and a rally safety vehicle collide on a closed road and lead to the cancellation of the eighth stage in the International Rally of Whangarei. Photo/John Stone

Police say charges are likely in a crash in which a ute and a rally safety vehicle collided on a closed road and led to the cancellation of the eighth stage in the International Rally of Whangarei.

Senior Sergeant Brian Swann said police were called to the collision on Whangae Rd, north of Kawakawa, just before 2pm on Saturday, the first day of the two-day racing event.Mr Swann said a Toyota Hilux ute was travelling around a tight corner on the road, which had been closed for the International Rally of Whangarei, and collided with a rally safety car travelling in the opposite direction.

Mr Swann said the unwarranted unregistered ute was being driven by a male.

Northland Rescue Helicopter arrived near the scene at 2:54pm and delivered the injured female passenger to Whangarei Hospital.

Mr Swann believed the woman was was not wearing a seatbelt.

Police were awaiting blood tests results for the male driver but said charges were likely.

As a result of the crash rally officials cancelled the stage and sent drivers back through Oromahoe Rd towards Puketona and onto Paihia for refuelling, ready for the next stage.

Rally spokesman Lance Hastie said the safety car reported the collision immediately to race officials who then contacted police.

"It was a closed road and under the control of the event. Those on the scene dealt with it at the time. It didn't involve any competitors so there won't be any follow up or investigation from our end," Mr Hastie said.

He said officials were not required to inform Motorsport New Zealand or the International Automobile Federation (FIA) of the incident as it did not involve any competitors.

"We made the decision to cancel the stage, based on the very short time available to clear out the scene. We are happy with how it was dealt with."