Rally New Zealand 2009 Cancelled

This years Rally New Zealand has been cancelled due to the current economic climate - as reported on www.tvnz.co.nz

Economic considerations have played a large part in the "gut-wrenching" decision not to run Rally New Zealand (RNZ) this year, RNZ chairman Chris Carr said on Thursday. The next Rally New Zealand will run in early May 2010, with confirmation the World Rally Championship (WRC) is returning to New Zealand. FIA World Rally Championship had confirmed New Zealand would be a round of the premier global rallying series next year, Carr said.

Consequently, RNZ had decided to focus on preparations to run a "truly world-class" Rally New Zealand with a full WRC and national rally field at that time. RNZ's directors had been considering running an event this year at a lower level to cater for New Zealand competitors.

"However we have concluded it would be more beneficial for the sport in general to allow local rally competitors to focus their attention on this year's New Zealand Rally Championship," Carr said. A number of competitors had indicated they were concerned about their ability to gain sufficient support from their sponsors to run effectively this season, he said.

"We are mindful not only of competitors' sponsors, but also of our own sponsors and their current market considerations. "We want to ensure that we allow all of them to be in the best position to assist motorsport next year for our WRC event," Carr said.

Rally New Zealand has been a round of the World Rally Championship since 1977. Carr said there was "a certain level of kudos", internationally and nationally, associated with winning the title.

"It's important to us to ensure Kiwi enthusiasts associate Rally New Zealand with a truly international event. "This has been a gut-wrenching decision to make, but we believe it is the most responsible action at the present time."