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A huge and energetic crowd is expected to pack Melbourne's hottest new location to get a close up look of the rally cars before they are unleashed on the Yarra Valley.
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Over 60 rally cars and drivers will be on display along the NewQuay Promenade before setting off on the final championship deciding rally of the 2006 NEC Australian Rally Championship, through 16 special stages held over two, action packed days.Â
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The stunning waterfront location at NewQuay provides the perfect arena to showcase the beginning of one of the most anticipated events on Melbourne's motorsport calendar.
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"NewQuay is a fantastic location to stage the start of this year's rally, it has already become an icon of Melbourne and the perfect place to stage a major sporting spectacle like this," NGK Rally of Melbourne Event Organiser Justin Hunt said.
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"This event is for the Melbourne people, and what better place to start it than a fresh new location that showcases all that Melbourne has to offer.
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"NewQuay will be a buzz with spectators on the night, and Melbournians are renowned for turning out in huge numbers to support local events, it's going to be a fantastic opening."
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Set with Melbourne's impressive city skyline as the backdrop, the official start will begin with the first car being flagged away at 6.00pm, before Melbournians are treated to a weekend of fast and enthralling rally action.
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Home-town hero, Toyota's Simon Evans is leading the charge for this year's crown, and is looking forward to racing in front on a home crowd.
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"Melbourne is my hometown so this rally always means a lot to me and I think it will be a great sight to see all the cars at NewQuay," Simon Evans said.
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"For the spectators it is fantastic, they can see the cars up close and get to meet the drivers before heading out to the Yarra Valley to see the cars in full flight where the roads really give the fans a great view of what rallying is all about."
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Melbourne's Yarra Valley will host all the action over the weekend 22-24 September, where teams will do battle in a last ditch effort to try and knock off the home town favourite Evans who is out for his maiden Australian Rally Championship.
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With the rally staged in Melbourne's picturesque Yarra Valley in the outer-east, spectators are encouraged to purchase their tickets early to ensure they don't miss out on all the action.
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Full details regarding ticketing, corporate hospitality and accommodation can be found at the event's new look website, www.rallyofmelbourne.com.au.
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