This weekend sees the fifth round of the MRF Mainland Series 2018, with the rally course both starting and finishing in Brightwater.
The event will be held on Saturday, July 14, and organiser Phil Collins says it will be a day that is sure to impress, “the forecast is looking great, it’s going to be cold, but it’ll be fast!”
Phil, support president of the Nelson Car Club, committee member of the MR Series and a competitor, took over the reins of organising after the Nelson rally had an eight-year hiatus, and has been busy organising the event since January. “This is the second year we have run the rally after the previous organisers took a break for a few years, we had 43 cars racing last year and hope to have around the same number this time.” Ben Hunt, who grew up in 88 Valley, is looking forward to racing in his hometown with co-driver Tony Rawstorm, and says the club is doing a great job. “ It will be great to be back on the local roads that I grew up on. I came down last year, when Phil and Tracy got the rally going again, and it was fantastic.”
Engines start at 10am outside the Brightwater Motor Inn and drivers will navigate their way through eight stages – 73km of special stages and 234km of touring. There will be two service breaks in Tapawera township, the first one from 11:30 – 1pm and the second from 2:30 – 3pm, which Phil says, “will give people the perfect opportunity to walk around a have a look at the cars.” The best spots to see the action will be on Pigeon Valley Rd and Tadmor Valley. “If people get into Pigeon Valley before they close the road, around 8am, they will get a great view at the summit of the cars flying over the hill,” says Phil, “that stage will be repeated as it is stage 1 and stage 8. Tadmor Valley are special stages 3 and 5. People will also get a great view from the start line. Spectators are encouraged to come out and support the drivers, it is recommended to avoid standing on the outside corners of the track and to not bring pets. Phil says, “keep an eye on your kids and bring your camera. It’ll be a great day!”