Paddon and stellar supporting cast underline WRC Rally New Zealand desires
Two things dominated my social media last night. The first was an endless stream of worthless tripe regarding The Bachelor, and the second was this wonderful video by Hyundai Motorsport's Hayden Paddon.
Making anything happen in professional motorsport can be a hard task. Whether it comes down to money, political alignment, approval from councils and locals, manufacturer support, and so on. It's an often tenuous and frustrating road — just ask those who work as PR New Zealand's motorsport scene.
Paddon, however, has managed to wrap up and tie off every loose end in this latest video, featuring representatives from Hyundai New Zealand, Ford New Zealand, Volkswagen New Zealand, and Citroën New Zealand — as well as Sir Colin Giltrap, and Prime Minister John Key.
"New Zealand is absolutely passionate about rallying, and about cars, and about showing off the beautiful New Zealand countryside,” said Key.
“So we'd love to have the World Rally Championship back in New Zealand to be able to showcase our country to the world."
As well as that, attached to the video is this open letter to the FIA and the WRC:
“Dear FIA and WRC promoter (an open letter)
As you are well aware – a nation of Kiwi’s are passionate to see the return of Rally of New Zealand on the WRC calendar. But just don't take my word for it......here in this video you can see we have 100% support from all key personnel to run and host Rally NZ. In the modern day world of media and technology, the old argument of NZ having a small population and car market simply doesn't stack up anymore - as fans will follow the WRC no matter where in the world. NZ provides a spectacle that no other rally can come close to, providing a backdrop to the WRC that is good for the sport, manufacturers and fans. We have the infrastructure and funding commitment to make it happen and a support structure to assist teams to make the journey. NZ wants the WRC but the WRC needs NZ. All we ask is that you give us a fair chance to apply and be considered to be back in the WRC in 2018.
Best Regards
Hayden Paddon and 4 million New Zealanders“
The ball is now well and truly in the FIA and WRC's court.
#BringBackWRCRallyNZ