Rally Australia ticket holders get a free ride

A ticket to see the world’s fastest rally drivers in action at Coates Hire Rally Australia on the New South Wales Coffs Coast next month will be a ticket to ride – literally.
 

Organisers of the FIA World Rally Championship round have announced that a free Michelin Shuttle bus service will transport spectators to the two biggest viewing facilities on the rally, the East Coast Bullbars Rally Village on Saturday 13 September and VisitNSW.com Rally Village the following day.
 
The Michelin Shuttle will run scheduled services from the Hi-Tec Oils Service Park at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium to the Rally Villages on both mornings and return in the afternoons.
 
On Saturday, the last bus from the Rally Village at Graces on the Nambucca Special Stage is scheduled to depart in time to deliver fans back to the Service Park before the first World Rally Car tackles the Hyundai Super Special Stage, also at the International Stadium precinct.
 
“The free Michel Shuttle is a fantastic bonus for rally fans who want a stress-free, convenient, and environmentally-friendly way to get to the daytime country stages,” said rally Event Manager David Catchpole.
 
“They won’t have to drive, navigate or worry about parking. Multiple services each way on both days mean they will be able to travel at convenient times, while knowing that taking the bus will reduce traffic congestion and fuel use.”
 
Coates Hire Rally Australia will be staged on 11-14 September. Day One will feature the free Coates Hire Rally Show and Start Show from 1pm in the centre of Coffs Harbour, with WRC drivers appearing from 4pm.
 
Competition in Round 10 of the WRC starts on Friday morning and will cover 20 Special Stages before the podium finish at 5pm on Sunday at the Service Park.
 
All tickets, including the popular WRC Super Pass from $150, are available now from NRMAtix by visiting www.rallyaustralia.com.au.
 
Spectators who pre-purchase tickets that allow Saturday and Sunday entry will automatically be able to board the Michelin Shuttle at the public bus stop at the corner of Stadium and Phil Hawthorne Drives, Coffs Harbour. Ticket-sellers at the bus stop will cater for last-minute buyers.
 
Parking will be available in the sports field beside Phil Hawthorne Drive.
 
Saturday departures will run on the half-hour from 6am to 7.30am, with return trips from Graces running at 10am, 10.30am and 11am. In the afternoon, the buses depart from the Service Park at midday, 12.45 and 1.15 and return at 4, 4.30, 5 and 5.15.
 
On Sunday, the Michelin Shuttle departs for the VisitNSW.com Rally Village at Flooded Gum on the Wedding Bells Special Stage every half-hour from 6am to 7.30am, then at 7.50am, 8.10am, 8.30am and 9am. Return trips leave the Village at 3.50pm, 4pm, 4.15pm, 4.30pm, 4.50pm, 5.10pm and 5.30pm.
 
The Rally Villages will feature full facilities for a great day’s rally action -  excellent viewing of the World Rally cars at speed, parking, food and drink, live commentary, entertainment, sponsors activities, souvenir sales and toilet facilities.
 
For a modest extra cost, Fanatic Zones at the Rally Villages will offer enhanced viewing and comfort, including shade and seating, gourmet barbecue food, cash bars and live music.
 
After a day on the country stages and evening at the Hyundai Super Special Stage, fans will find even more to do watching the World Rally cars being serviced at their team garages in the Service Park and enjoy some entertainment at the free Fanzone.
 
WRC tickets also provide entry to the Pedders Suspension Coffs Coast 400 off-road race on Saturday and Sunday at Bucca, north of Coffs Harbour.

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