Motorsport: Rally of Whangarei ready to go full throttle

The International Rally of Whangarei is gearing up to thrill Northland crowds over the three day event, starting tonight. This photo was taken at the start of the 2016 event. Photo/John Stone

Northland is gearing up as the International Rally of Whangarei roars into town tonight.

The three-day event starts tomorrow and brings a large multicultural blend and top cars to New Zealand for the opening round of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC).

Whilst being an event largely for petrolheads, the Rally brings a bump in economic benefits according to Northland Chamber of Commerce CEO Tony Collins.

"In the past the event has been shown to increase activities around Whangarei which has an immediate and direct impact on the economy up here," he said.

"People in town are spending money on a lot of things from fuel to accommodation but there is a slightly more intangible and long-term benefit from the event in that we get a reputation.

"It's an opportunity to expose Whangarei, not only nationally, but to international audiences through the global coverage of the event.

"The exposure helps the future of Whangarei in terms of bringing people in. Those travelling here head home and tell people about the place which could bring people back."

Collins said while he couldn't name the figures, the economical benefits from the event should have increased over time.

"I would imagine it would bring more money each year as living costs and the like have increased over time," he said.

"It does provide the opportunity if done the right way to stimulate the CBD. We need to be really aware to see how we can make sure everyone benefits from it."

The event also is a big milestone for former V8 Supercars stalwart Greg Murphy.

The four-time Bathurst 1000 winner is racing in Whangarei for the first time, competing as part of the Penny Homes Holden Rally Team.

Murphy said he was excited by the competition.

"Having both Penny Homes Holden Barinas here this weekend is a big moment for our team and everyone involved should be hugely proud of what has been achieved to make this happen," he said.

"I am just really excited about getting behind the wheel and I think my co-driver Mark Leonard is pretty pumped to get things under way too."

The first test for the drivers tomorrow will be the 1km long Hella Pohe Island Super Special Stage to start at 7pm.

Rally drivers then take in Northland, heading as far north as Paihia before returning to Whangarei. This is run in both the morning and afternoon.

Sunday's remaining stages take the teams south, covering more familiar territory to some.

They head to Waipu Caves for a stage, followed by the 16.46km Waiotira test and the 15.39km Tangihua stage. The cars return to Whangarei for a brief service break before repeating the loop in the early afternoon.