Since 2019, rally fans have been deprived of one of New Zealand’s most revered events on the calendar, the International Rally of Whangarei.
It’s now set to return over the weekend of 12 to 14 May 2023, where competitors will battle it out over 18 stages covering 254km of Northland roads which have been praised by some of the world’s best rally drivers.
A total of 50 teams are on the cards for the rally with some of the highlighted drivers including seven-time winner Hayden Paddon and three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen.
Six international teams are also set to take part, arriving from countries like Japan, Australia, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
International Rally of Whangarei doubles as a qualifying round for the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) which 11 teams are taking part in. These teams are then able to enter the overall championship title decider being held on 24 to 26 November at Indonesia’s Danau Toba Rally.
However, most entries taking part will be contesting the second round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC) while 12 entries are set for the Allcomers class.
The rally kicks off at 5:30pm on Friday 14 May at Cameron Street Mall, followed by 10 special stages on Saturday 15 May and eight special stages on Sunday 16 May. There will be a ceremonial finish at 3pm on the Sunday at Putahi Park in the Town Basin.
The International Rally of Whangarei will take place over the weekend of 12 to 14 May 2023.
Header Image: Supplied
