Motorsport: Great stages to watch

The Rally of New Zealand will include a special stage in the Auckland Domain. Photo / Greg Bowker

Auckland Domain is set to be in the headlights when Auckland hosts Rally New Zealand, the local round of the FIA World Rally Championship May 6-9.

For the first time since 1990, a super special stage will be run in the Auckland Domain. The 1.5km route will take competitors around a selection of the Domain's sealed roads in the dark of early evening.

Rally New Zealand chairman Chris Carr says the inclusion of the Auckland Domain in the official route stems from a desire to ensure at least one competitive rally stage was run in close proximity to central Auckland and its legions of rally fans.

"The Domain stage layout has been designed to provide excellent spectator viewing within the natural contours of the picturesque Domain.

Feedback from the WRC teams is that they are excited to be competing in the heart of Auckland city and helping to bring the rally to the people," he said. Mayor of Auckland city, Hon John Banks, says the Domain is a particularly special venue in which to run a super special stage during the 40th anniversary of Rally New Zealand.

"Auckland City Council and Rally New Zealand have worked together to raise the bar with this event to ensure it is world-class for spectators, as well competitors and their teams. This has included facilitating the Auckland Domain Super Special Stage, which is going to be a great spectacle in an historic environment that we will be taking every possible step to protect throughout the event."

The same Domain route is also being used for the 'shakedown' on Thursday 6 May, when competitors get their one and only official test session before the rally commences on Friday morning.

The Domain won't be the only place where spectators will be able to see something special. The newest international motor racing track in New Zealand, Hampton Downs, will also host a Super Special Carnival on
Saturday May 8.

"The new Hampton Downs Motorsport Park and its brand-new race track provide a fantastic venue for two super special stages,"said the event's general manager Paul Mallard.

"Hampton Downs is conveniently located for rally fans from Auckland, Hamilton, Pukekohe and the surrounding rural areas to travel a relatively short distance to enjoy a huge day of motorsport entertainment."

Saturday's line-up contesting the Hampton Downs super special stage includes competitors from the WRC, Production World Rally Championship, Super 2000 World Rally Championship, New Zealand Rally Championship and Smartwood by Alpwood Possum Bourne Memorial Rally fields. In total, fans can expect to see 120 cars run the two super special stages.