Letter of the Week

Reader says Rally Australia has got it right in 2016

FANS: Kennards Hire Rally Australia has been factored in for the 2017 WRC calendar, but is yet to be ratified by Federation Internationale de l'Automobile. Picture: Trevor Veale

HOW great it has been this week to speak with many of the international visitors here in town for the rally.

They have flocked here from Europe, South America, New Zealand and right across Australia all to see the action on our forested roads.

Coffs Harbour did a great thing in taking over the hosting rights to the World Rally Championship round from the Northern Rivers all those years ago.

It is a credit to the Rally Australia organisers that they have finally found the best stages in 2016.

The super special stage on the Jetty Foreshores is the best location for the showcase event of the rally.

In 2011 it was run at night and ended up being pointless so it's fantastic to see Rally Australia win the last event of the WRC calendar and hold the stage during daylight hours on the harbour, due to daylight saving.

Those shots should be beamed around the world granting great exposure to the Coffs Coast as a holiday destination.

Money can't buy that type of location endorsement on worldwide television.

Over the years I've heard locals say it costs too much to bring the rally to town through the council's sponsorship agreement and that it has not attracted the big crowds it should.

Well keep the super special stage on the Jetty Foreshores and the word will get out.

Bruce McKenzie, Bucca