MOTORSPORT - Pohe Is stage set to draw big crowd again

The crowd-pleasing "Superspecial" stage around Pohe Island in Whangarei that attracted big crowds during New Zealand's round of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally of Whangarei championship this year will again be the highlight when the event returns in June.
The FIA World Motorsport Council recently confirmed that the International Rally of Whangarei will again be staged in and around the Whangarei and Kaipara districts from June 6 to 8 next year.
It will be the third round of the FIA Asia Pacific Championship and also the final round of the new Pacific Cup, a three-round competition for Asia Pacific Championship competitors and also those looking for a stepping stone to the prestigious FIA Championship.
The rally also forms part of the Vantage Aluminium Joinery New Zealand Rally Championship.
But it is the "Superspecial" stage on a lap course around Pohe Island that most rally fans flock to during the event. Route co-ordinator Willard Martin is looking to refine the formula that worked so well for the inaugural event last year and event chairman Laurie Bresnell thinks it could become a major part of the whole race.
"We are thrilled to be coming back to Whangarei and the Northland region after such a fantastic debut this year," Bresnell said.
"The rally was a huge success this year from every viewpoint. We had an excellent response from New Zealand and international competitors who were given the opportunity to compete on world class rallying roads.
"We received tremendous support from the councils, Destination Northland and the farming community in the region," he said.
"The rally brought $3.5 million of new money into the city and surrounds. We were also pleased with the spectator attendances for the first event with the local fans in particular coming out and supporting us so well.
"The addition of the Pacific Cup will add further interest to the event with the competitors looking to win the three round mini series consisting of the APRC rounds in New Caledonia, Australia and New Zealand. As we saw in 2007 New Zealand's best are more than a match for the best in the world and the region and we look forward to seeing challengers taking on defending champion Hayden Paddon of Geraldine."
Further details of the route and format for the event will be announced in the coming months.