NAC Insurance backs Whangarei Rally

Cody Crocker NAC Insurance backs Whangarei Rally

Top seed and three-time Asia Pacific rally champion Australian Cody Crocker (left) and co-driver Ben Atkinson celebrating their APRC victory in the 2008 NAC Insurance Hella International Rally of Whangarei. Photo: Peter Woodfield/NAC Insurance

NAC Insurance International Rally of Whangarei

Media statement

1 June 2009

NAC Insurance backs Whangarei Rally

With their shared passion for high performance cars, NAC Insurance’s leading sponsorship role with the International Rally of Whangarei offers both organisations many benefits, says NAC manager Kate Smith.

“The NAC Insurance International Rally of Whangarei is one of New Zealand’s premier motor rallies and its profile fits very well alongside NAC’s position as New Zealand’s high performance motor vehicle insurance specialist,” says the Whangarei-based Smith.

In the build-up to the rally, which runs from Friday 5 June to Sunday 7 June, representatives from the two organisations have been working together to help the event’s profile continue to grow.

“This is the third consecutive year this event has been based in Whangarei, taking in some magnificent roads in the Kaipara and Northland districts,” says Smith. “As this year’s sole naming rights’ sponsor, we see a number of benefits accruing from the closer relationship with the International Rally of Whangarei organising committee.”

The event is a round of the prestigious FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) and the Vantage New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC). It’s also a qualifying event for the global Pirelli Star Driver competition, which is attracting much interest around the world. Top New Zealand rally driver, Mark Tapper, won the inaugural Asia Pacific Pirelli Star Driver contest last year to earn a fully-funded drive in six 2009 World Rally Championship events – a prize worth over NZ $1 million.

“We are thrilled to support an event that not only showcases beautiful Northland on the international stage and brings huge economic value to the region, but also fosters growth in New Zealand motorsport,” says Smith. “It is important for young, upcoming New Zealand competitors to have the opportunity to contest a round of an international rally championship like the APRC and in recent years the kiwi drivers have done us proud.

“The opportunity to qualify for the Pirelli Star Driver final in Australia in September is also very exciting and sure to provide a fresh intensity to the weekend’s competition.”

Event organising committee chairman Willard Martin says the support offered by all sponsors, particularly NAC Insurance, is vital and much appreciated.

“We are very fortunate to have an enthusiastic sponsor such as NAC Insurance,” says Martin. “Kate and her colleague Rebecca Thom contribute to the event’s success in many ways, becoming a highly valued part of our organising team.”

Smith concludes: “We extend our thanks to all the competitors, officials, volunteers and supporters for their efforts to date. We’re sure this weekend’s rally action will be absolutely fantastic – our team is going to be busy with many aspects of the event, such as Friday afternoon’s ceremonial start in Whangarei’s Cameron Street Mall. We’re all looking forward to the whole event enormously.”

NAC Insurance is a business division of IAG New Zealand Ltd. Full details about the NAC Insurance International Rally of Whangarei, including spectator maps and event schedules, can be found on the website www.rallywhangarei.co.nz.

ENDS/