“BABY FERN” RALLY ANNOUNCED.

Media Release
5th September 2008 - Immediate release.

“BABY FERN” RALLY ANNOUNCED.

Organisers of the 2008 NZ Silver Fern International Marathon Rally (October 16th – 23rd) have announced a smaller “Baby Fern” event to follow the first three days of their rally.

Dubbed the “Baby Fern” the event is aimed at attracting competitors who would like the opportunity to be part of the Silver Fern marathon rally adventure, compete against the international drivers, cover part of the route (including the events longest stages) but for only part of the time and cost.

Silver Fern Marathon Rally chairman, Hamilton’s Gary Smith said “we have had quite a few requests for a shorter event, and today with the approval of Motorsport New Zealand the “Baby Fern” event was officially born, now we will wait and see if the competitors get behind the idea.”

It is hoped the three day format will suit some of the smaller budget teams, with interest already coming from a number of regular Classic Otago competitors based in the mid South Island.


Entrants in the “Baby Fern” will join the marathon event competitors at their high profile rally show and official start in Cathedral Square in Christchurch, on the afternoon of Wednesday October 15th, and will then compete in their own event behind the main field, spending two nights in Queenstown, before finishing in Dunedin on Saturday October 18th.

The “Baby Fern” event will cover 6 shortish special stages totalling 90kms on Thursday October 16th, four in the Geraldine / Fairlie area, one near Lake TeKapo and one in the Lindis Valley on the run into Queenstown.

Friday will see four stages totalling 57kms in the area north of Alexandra, and then 64km down the Nevis Road back into Queenstown. Saturday will see competitors cover 240kms of stages including the 94km Lake Onslow stage, and another of over 50kms in the Berwick Forest area, near Dunedin.

Just like the main marathon event, the “Baby Fern” competitors will be re-seeded after each of their days competitive stages, with the winner being decided at the finish in Dunedin on Saturday evening.

In keeping with the Silver Fern’s philosophy of ‘bringing back the days of old’ in New Zealand motorsport, when rallying was an adventure, with the emphasis on endurance and reliability, but with a fun side attached. Competitors cars will be either Classic’s, two wheel drive modern, or pre 1992 four wheel drive. Entries open immediately and close at 5pm on Monday October 6th.

Details for the “Baby Fern” event are in Bulletin One, which is now available on the Silver Fern Rally website www.silverfernrally.co.nz .

The main event, the 2008 NZ Silver Fern International Marathon Rally takes place between October 16th - 23rd 2008, will start in Christchurch’s Cathedral Square, and take competitors south to Queenstown, Dunedin, and Invercargill, back to Dunedin, Timaru and Christchurch before finishing at the new Marlborough Convention Centre in Blenheim.

For event details and the latest info on the rally visit:- www.silverfernrally.co.nz

For further media information contact
Rally Media Manager - Paul Smith
Ph +64 274 852234