Grandstand seating named after legendary drivers will give spectators an up-close, birds-eye view of World Rally Championship action against sparkling ocean and harbour backdrops on the new Destination Super Special Stage at Kennards Hire Rally Australia next week.
The Super Special Stage on Jordan Esplanade in Coffs Harbour’s Jetty leisure precinct will be a highlight of the closing round of the FIA World Rally Championship on 17-20 November.
It will run in daylight as the last stage on Friday and Saturday of the event after crews have spent all day competing on forestry and rural stages south of the city. The tight, testing course promises a true challenge for the world’s best rally drivers and an especially exciting view for spectators in the McRae, Solberg, Vatanen, Grönholm, Loeb, Sainz, Mäkinen and Hirvonen grandstands.
“We’ve introduced the Destination NSW Super Special Stage to showcase two of the Coffs Coast’s greatest natural attractions, the harbour and the adjacent Boambee ocean beach – Friday’s stage will be broadcast for an hour to WRC TV’s audience in 150 markets around the world,” Rally Australia Chairman Ben Rainsford said.
“It’s just 1.27 kilometres long but will be packed with challenges to keep the likes of World Champion Sébastien Ogier in his Volkswagen busy every metre of the way.
“We’ve built a tight banked turn like a motocross berm, a jump beside the ocean beach and a 360-degree haybale turn negotiated twice on each timed run – all this along a few hundred metres in front of the spectators will make a spectacular show. Every view includes the harbour or beach.
“A substantial hill in front of the Deep Sea Fishing Club will allow great viewing of nearly all the course for spectators and our VIP guests, but the pick of spots will be eight grandstands named after World Rally Champion drivers and a multiple Australian winner.
“The stands honour champions Colin McRae, Petter Solberg, Ari Vatanen, Marcus Grönholm, Sébastien Loeb, Carlos Sainz and Tommi Mäkinen and the 2006, 2009 and 2011 Rally Australia winner Mikko Hirvonen.
“They could not be closer to the action. The number of seats is limited, so anyone who wants this ultimate spectating opportunity should book on-line now at ticketek.com.”
Kennards Hire Rally Australia kicks off next Thursday with a free Rally Show and Ceremonial Start in the Coffs Harbour CBD from 4pm. From Friday, 75 crews from overseas and Australia tackle 313 kilometres of competition stages, before the finish on Sunday afternoon back in Coffs Harbour.
Spectating highlights include the Destination NSW Super Special Stage, 51km Nambucca stage on Saturday and the season-ending Wedding Bells televised Power Stage on Sunday.
Tickets are on sale through www.rallyaustralia.com.au and ticketek.com
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