The Lonestar Rally Canterbury will feature some new initiatives this month including three fan zones.
The North Canterbury rally on May 31 will include a round of the New Zealand Rally Championship, H6 Cup Rally Series and Mainland Rally Series.
Rally organisers have brought in promoter Jack Smith to help with the new initiatives and the introduction of three fan zones.
Smith told nzrallychamps.co.ns the zones will be located in prime spectator viewing points and feature some next level initiatives to improve the experience.
“We have set up some dedicated fan zones, which are essentially spectator locations but a bit more premium,” he said.
“The first one will be the Mt Grey Fan Zone, which is at the hairpin of the Ashley Forest Rallysprint road.
“On location we will have a big screen, live commentary and we will have food trucks – all the elements to make for a great day.
“This will be stage one for the day and stage eight for the day so two chances to see the cars flying through the forest.
“The second fan zone is the Stonyhurst Fan Zone on the corner of Stonyhurst Road and Blythe Road – this is a common one in the Canterbury Rally over the last few years, but it is an awesome spot to come view some rally cars.
“A natural amphitheatre with a grassy hill right above the corner so a great location to bring the family."
Smith said there would also be a barbecue to raise money for a local school or rugby club.
“The third location of the day is the Broxton Road Fan Zone. It is an awesome spot to see rally cars flat out – on the limiter for about a kilometre prior to the intersection and then winding down into what we know as Ram Paddock Rd.”
Fans are encouraged to get to the fanz zones early to secure a good spot.
Lonestar Rally Canterbury starts on Saturday, May 30, with a ceremonial opening at Lonestar Manchester St in Christchurch.
The action then starts the next morning (Sunday, May 31) with stages north of the city before finishing with a stage using parts of Ruapuna Raceway.
Indicative rally itinerary for the day (subject to change)
First car
- Start – Joe’s Rangiora 7:30
- SS1 – Mt Grey Road Up – 14km – Public Fan Zone 7:55
- Service 1 – Amberley 8:31
- SS2 – Stoneyhurst Road – 28km – Public Fan Zone 9:41
- Service 2 – Cheviot 10:11
- SS3 – Mendip Rd – 10km 11:29
- SS4 – Sinclair Rd – 4.5km 12:03
- SS5 – Leamington 22.5km 12:28
- Service 3 13:28
- SS6 Heathstock – 22.5km – Public Fan Zone 14:14
- SS 7 Onepunga – 6km 14:56
- Service 4 – Douglas Rd 15:07
- SS8 – Mt Grey Road down – 14km 15:44
- SS9 – Ruapuna – 10km 16:53
- Finish at Lone Star 17:35
