Rally really good

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 586, 16 May 1995, Page 4

Rally really good

• The recent Motorsport Rally run in and around Ohakune has proved to be the most successful yet. This year titled as the Powderhorn Chateau Snowline Rally '95, the event attracted 90 competing cars, the largest field in the event' s 6 year history. This year for the first time the event was part of the National Rally Championship as well as part of the usual Central Region Rally Championship, which has undoubtedly helped to attract more competitors and give the event a much higher profile. We estimate that over 600 competitors, service crew, rally officials, media and spectators were in Ohakune for the weekend. In last year' s event we had big problems with dust so we were hoping for a little moisture before hand to keep the dust down, but we got it all on the day and it was a bit more than weneeded. Unfortunately as aconsequence we had to cancel the last stage at night up the Ohakune Mountain Road. With the weather closing in at the top it was too dangerous for competitors. Overall the event was still great fun and maintained the tough endurance nature it's become known for. With an event of this size there are a lot of people involved in the organisation, running on the day, and behind the scenes work, to make it all happen. Our thanks must go out to our sponsors and other people who gave us

tremendous assistance. To Bill and his team at the Powderhorn Chateau, wonderful hospitality and assistance. A marvellous complex that is a big asset to Ohakune. To the Ohakune Motel Group who have continued their excellent support, and to WPI Forests who allow us to use their roads. Also a big thanks to those who assisted us up to and during the event. Sue Allomes the Mainstreet Coordinator, Bruce and his team at the BP Service Station, Ruapehu District Council, Ruapehu Construction, and especially to all of the residents who live along the Rally route. Our sincere thanks to all of those involved from the Ohakune area. It is a long way for us to come to organise the event so the assistance we have received has been invaluable. We hope that as many people and businesses as possible have benefited from the event and offer our apologies to anyone who may have been inconvenienced by the event on the day.

On behalfof the Wellington Car Club Bernie Keith, Rally Manager