Press Release by Jody Seabright/Rally Wairarapa Inc.


Rally Wairarapa adopts the Daybreaker.


Since its inaugural running in 1983 the Manawatu Daybreaker Rally has held a special iconic status in New Zealand motorsport. In order to continue this proud tradition, Rally Wairarapa Inc, in association with Motorsport Manawatu, are delighted to announce that Rally Wairarapa Inc have agreed to promote and organise the Daybreaker Rally, alongside the existing Manawatu team, for 2011 and beyond.

The legend of this event was born at a time when many rally events opted for a shorter daytime format. For many years it was the Daybreaker’s mix of midnight starts and long demanding special stages that provided the true challenge associated with rallying. It quickly became a ‘must do’ event for competitors from throughout the country.

Legendary organising duo, Dave Hayward and Cam Taylor were renowned for setting a tough marathon course and delighted in ensuring competitors knew exactly what lay ahead in their drama filled, and entertaining briefings.

In it’s heyday, as a round of the New Zealand Rally Championship, it was not uncommon for the Daybreaker to be over-subscribed with early entries, and many more waiting on a reserve list. A situation unheard of today.

In recent times however a number of factors have threatened both the logistical and financial viability of the event. Severe flooding in 2004 throughout the Manawatu, Rangitikei and Horowhenua districts not only brought the cancellation of the event that year, but also impacted on the livelihood of many of the region’s competitors, organisers, and sponsors.

Since then a dedicated team of tireless organisers have kept the Daybreaker flag flying. However a number of personnel retirements, combined with the present economic climate, saw the event cancelled again in 2009. In 2010 a refreshed Daybreaker Rally was supported by a number of NZRC competitors and drew a healthy entry. However this wasn’t sufficient to ensure the event’s continued financial viability.

Motorsport Manawatu (formerly Manawatu Car Club) is heavily committed to the running and maintaining of racing activities at it’s Manfield track and the continued running of a financially uncertain rally event was unsustainable for them.

With the prospect of the Daybreaker Rally not running this year, Rally Wairarapa Incorporated have, at the invitation of Motorsport Manawatu, stepped in to promote and organise the event, alongside the existing team from Manawatu, for 2011 and beyond.

As the long time promoters of the Trusthouse Racetech Rally Wairarapa based in Masterton, this New Zealand Rally Championship event is a firm favourite of many, where the name is synonymous with event quality and reliability. This level of experience and commitment will provide confidence for competitors looking to plan their Daybreaker adventure.

Rally Wairarapa spokesperson Bruce Sollitt says “The continuation of this event is vital to the re-growth of rallying in the region. It’s history engenders it to competitors and creates interest, whilst the central location and proximity to State Highway 1 makes it easily accessible for all Central Region Series competitors. We assisted in the organising of the event last year, particularly though Clerk of the Course Dave Davies and HQ manager Tracey Stringer, so to step up and take on the promotion is a relatively comfortable move for us. We are confident that with the expertise and resources of both Rally Wairarapa and the existing Manawatu team, we can restore the Daybreaker Rally back to it’s former status.”

In 2011 the Daybreaker Rally will run on Saturday 29th October with a similar format to the 2010 event. Based around the township of Apiti there will be 7 special stages comprising 142 kilometres of competitive stages. All stages will be run in daylight. The possibility of returning to night stages will be looked at for 2012, once a risk assessment has been carried out.

For more information, contact Bruce Sollitt on 027 543 2738