News

Once a year Whangarei attracts not only tourists, but also visitors of a special kind: Motorsport fans that gather for 3 fast and furious days when the city hosts the International Rally of Whangarei.

This year’s fan attraction was motorsport superstar Hayden Paddon, who made history in Argentina by becoming the first kiwi to claim a World Rally Championship round victory. After signing heaps of autographs on the Pohe Bridge and in the hospitality area where HELLA hosted guests, Paddon confidently took the lead in the two HELLA Superstages on Friday night. Once again the guests who had been wined and dined were also lucky enough to get up close with the drivers who took a break before and between the stages in the hospitality area.

While the Saturday was filled with gravel flying action at stages around Whangarei like the HELLA Prime Spectator corner in Tapuhi. Paddon fans were left disappointed when he pulled out of the race due to technical difficulties. But the 29 year old and his co-driver John Kennard made it all up to their fans by winning all 6 stages on the Sunday, although the overall win went to Gaurav Gill from India and his Australia based co-driver Glenn Macneall.

Dunedin Rally Driver Emma Gilmour, sponsored by HELLA for many years, delivered an impressive performance that saw her taking a brilliant second overall place in her class.