The return of top level rallying to the South Coast centre will deliver more than 1000 bed nights over the weekend at a time when tourism numbers are at their lowest, providing a major boost to a range of Bay businesses.
The rally is expected to attract more than 80 entries for what will be round three of the NSW Rally Championship as well as being a qualifier for the Shannons ACT Rally Championship, the Realistic Car Rentals NSW Clubman Championship, the Rallyschool Hyundai Excel series, and is also round two of the East Coast Classic Rally Challenge and will draw competitors from around the country. Â
More than 1200 people will be involved in the rally including almost 160 competitors, a similar number of service crew, around 150 officials and organisers, more than 500 spectators as well as media, sponsors and families of competitors.
Clerk of course for the Kumho Tyres Rally of the Bay, Colin Fletcher, says the economic impact figures are based on conservative estimates but there is no doubt the rally will provide a strong injection of spending into Batemans Bay.
"As rally organisers we are really pleased to be able to put something back into the Batemans Bay economy given the warm welcome the town and the region has given our sport," said Colin Fletcher.
"Batemans Bay is a fantastic venue for top flight rallying and it is great to bring the NSW State Championships back to town, continuing an event that I am sure will only build in prestige and size over years to come," he said.
"Rally competitors have to buy fuel, food, accommodation and are often found in the hardware store or auto parts outlet purchasing those last minute items they need to make their cars ready for competition, so their spending is spread right throughout the local economy," he added.
"As rally organisers we are directing much of our discretionary spending for essential items like printing, trophies and hire equipment to local Batemans bay and South Coast businesses."
"Some economic impact figures can be very rubbery but these numbers are very real and based on actual entries and conservative spending estimates, the reality is that the rally may well bring more money into the local economy, and if we can inject spending back into the local economy then we will be very happy because the Bay has been very welcoming to the event," he said.
As well as directly benefiting local business the Kumho Tyres Rally of the Bay will also help service clubs and charitable organizations, with the Lions Club conducting a barbecue lunch at the start venue on Saturday, while the Classic and Vintage Motor Club of Eurobodalla will be displaying an array of its most prized classic cars providing even more entertainment at the start.
The Kumho Tyres Rally of the Bay will be run on Saturday 1 September, with the ceremonial start held at Corrigan's Beach Reserve at Batehaven with cars in place and on display by 11 am, the Kumho tyre changing contest starting at 11.15am, and the first car flagged away from 12noon, giving locals the opportunity to see the competitors and their array of spectacular rally cars up close.
After driving over the start ramp competitors will face 132 kilometres of competitive running over nine challenging stages over some of the most flowing and truly enjoyable roads in Australia.
The first car is due to finish the rally around 8:10pm giving drivers and spectators plenty of action after the sunsets.
Spectators will have plenty of chances to view all the action, with five viewing points during the rally with the final point is a beauty fully flood-lit with live commentary with up to date results and rally news.
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