A little bit sideways Rallying in New Zealand, where we like to get A Little Bit Sideways! Up to date Rally News from teams around the country together with event reports.
Hello Silver Fern Rally Enthusiasts
With the ongoing active cases of COVID-19 around the world, it has become clear that the NZ Government will not be opening our boarders to international travellers any time soon. With this in mind, we have decided the best course of action is to reduce the 2020 NZ Silver Fern Marathon Rally to a two day format now called the URG Silver Frond and focus on creating an event that can meet the domestic NZ market. The event will be based on the road closures we already have in place from the last two days of Silver Fern being the 27th and 28thNovember.
We are currently looking at options with regards to rescheduling the NZ Silver Fern taking into consideration other events around the world that our International participants also participate in, with particular reference to the RAC in England that also only runs every two years in November but in the alternative years to the Silver Fern. With the uncertainty as to when world travel restriction will ease, it is looking more likely that we are best to focus our efforts on November 2022 and return the event to the South Island. More information will follow once we have a clearer picture of the best direction to take.
We want to let everyone know that it has been a difficult decision to take, but for our International participants we wanted to give sufficient notice to prevent any unnecessary shipping costs and to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the event. We are left will no other option as the event is not financial viable without the support of our international participants.
URG Silver Frond
We have decided to open this event up to a wider group of vehicles rather than just the traditional 2WDs and include 4WDs , both classic and modern, to provide a domestic rally for everyone to enjoy.
Supplementary regulations are currently being finalised and will be posted on the website once completed.
Our concept is to run the Classic 2WDs at the front of the field with the balance of the field following them as this will give everyone a fairer run at each stage.
The event will gather in Palmerston North on Thursday 26thNovember for documentation and scrutineering.
Starting on Friday morning 27th November, vehicles will travel north to overnight at Ohakune.
Saturday 28th vehicles will depart Ohakune and finish in Taupo.
Stages are approximately 20kms long with a total distance of approximately 310kms and touring of only approximately 380kms.
We invite you to take this opportunity to come and enjoy some of the best roads the central north island has and support us as we reset for the years ahead.
More Information
from Peter Martin
URG Managing Director
