Original story
From Warwick’s reports
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Wrc 2022
Hi team,
My apologies if you get this twice through being on more than one of my mailing lists.
WRC- The big one This event is the pinnacle of rallying world wide and attracts an audience of millions.
It used to be held in NZ every two years (alternating with Australia) but the last time here was in 2012 - we have been trying to get it back again ever since.
It returns this year (2022) is based in Auckland and uses roads in the wider Auckland and Waikato districts. Starting on Sept 28th until Oct 2nd.So you will need time off work.
In 2012 we provided a 'van full' (good old #2 in fact) of people and worked for Daniel Vincent doing regroups etc.
This year I was offering some 30 people - to fulfill whatever roles they wanted us for, BUT with the retirement of my co-hort Willard Martin and the death of our good friend Craig Donald, it now appears that 'our services are no longer required'.
RallyNZ are now doing their own recruiting directly, without involvement of the likes of us - somewhat shortsighted I would have thought.
THEREFORE If you do wish to be involved you need to register your interest through 'www.rallynewzealand.com' and see just what happens.
So not only am I your 'senior advisor' and Mr Pedantic but also, it appears Mr Grumpy too !.
Hi all,
Well that one is over - with a 22yr old World Champion.
As I am sure you will know Rally NZ did their own recruitment - so I really have no idea of just which of our team finally got 'roped in'.
I had heard virtually nothing until about a week beforehand when I was rung and asked if I was still available as a block marshal for which I was happy to oblige. I just needed someone else in the car too.
As I(we) had to be 'on site' on Whaanga Coast, south of Raglan at 6 AM as you can appreciate there was no way I was going to get up at 2AM ,
to leave here by 3 AM driving through the night!
Step up Rimu and Mabel !!!!
I therefore drove Izzy over to Hamilton during the day on Thursday, stayed with them overnight that night,
Set alarms for 4.30 AM Friday morning and yep we were 'out the gate' by 5 AM - Rimu driving and arriving on site 5 mins early. Well done team.
We had to blockmarshal for SS2 and SS5 (but same spot so we didn't have to move ) but it did become a nominal 6 AM till 6PM stint.
There is a photo of our site as an attachment. Rimu drove us back to Hamilton (after pies for 3 thanks at Whatawhata) and I stayed with them again that night.
I drove home through the rain and wind, during the day on Sat - arriving as I have so often said 'tired but happy'.