Rally NZ Day 3

Petter and Phil


Today was the final day of my tour of Rally New Zealand. And when I thought that it couldn’t get much better, it did! The day started out as usual bright and early. We made it to the first stage (TeHutewal 1: SS17) which was probably the best of the day because I could see the cars coming from a good distance. They took a long right and then a long left in front of us. This gave me some great video to add to the dvd I’m going to make. The next stage (TePapatapu SS19) was ok but we only got to see the starts and we weren’t there very long. But I did get a chance to get some good pictures of the drivers getting ready to start the stage. We then quickly took off to the next stage (Whaanga Coast 2 SS20) which was a new stage. So this means that it was also the tours first time. And the viewing point wasn’t the best because of the amount of trees and the fact that there was a large drop to the road, which didn’t allow for the best visibility. But I managed to find a good spot on top of mound of dirt to get a better view. So I was a little bummed about the last two stages, but the first stage made up for that. After the stage we started the long drive back. On the way out of the stage we saw Sebation Leob on the side of the road taking a piss which was pretty funny. And later on we saw that Harrie Rovenpara in the Mitsubishi had been pulled over by the cops. Luckily they let him go right after we passed and we pulled over so we could watch him pass us. After making it back to Auckland we got dropped off at the Ceremonial Finish time control, which is where the cars check in before waiting to get on the podium. I thought I would stay around awhile and watch the cars line up waiting to get in. And I’m so glad I did because Petter Solberg stopped and I got him to sign my hat along with his co-driver Phil Mills. What a thrill this was defiantly the highlight of my day, and it completed my goal for the weekend of getting Solberg’s autograph. I then quickly ran over the ceremonial finish to watch the top cars go through, and hand out the trophies. After this I went back to the hotel and hung out with my Subaru friends, we went to dinner and went up the sky tower for awhile. Afterwards, I went to the rally after party. This was a great opportunity to get up close to some of the rally drivers. First I got to shake Marcus Gronholm’s (former world champion) hand and I got a great picture. I also met and got pictures with Harri Rovenpera, Toni Gardermister, and Juanno Turrine. (I’ll check spelling later ok!) This was one of the highlights of the trip, being in the same room and drinking with the WRC drivers. Marco Martin, and Michael Parks were also there, but weren’t very approachable and didn’t’ stay long. But it was still a great night anyways. And the perfect topper to a great World Rally Championship! I would definitely do it again in a second!