International Rally plans 2014 return to Showgrounds night spectacular

The International Rally of Queensland will seek to repeat its Showdown @ the Showgrounds opening night show in 2014 after a successful debut on the Sunshine Coast on Friday 12th July.

The Showdown at Nambour Showgrounds attracted thousands of spectators to see top international and Australian rally cars, fireworks, displays and other attractions, as a prelude to a weekend of high-speed action across the Sunshine Coast and Mary Valley.

Event Director Errol Bailey said the concept of a family night combining a Stadium rally stage and other entertainment had proved an ideal start for the rally, which hosted a round of the prestigious FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship.

Bailey explained "everyone told us the Showground was one of the best night events we've done on the Sunshine Coast, so we're keen to do it again next year.

"The flood-lit Nambour showgrounds were an ideal facility. Its internal road network, centre ring and undercover grandstand was the perfect facility for the opening stage of the event and we will be applying to the managers for a date to use it again in 2014 as soon as we have our own event date confirmed by the international motorsport authorities. With that locked away, we will put our efforts into making it a bigger and better show for spectators."

After the Friday-night opening, the rally also visited Caloundra, Kenilworth, Imbil, Pomona and the Ettamogah Pub at Palmview on a schedule of competition stages and stopovers across the weekend. The "Pomona Dash" stage on the Saturday was praised as one of the best rally stage in Australia.

Bailey added "all our venues were well attended and spectators were able to see some world-class drivers and cars in action and meet them in person at various points.

"This is currently Australia's biggest annual championship rally, which brings an estimated $6 million in economic benefit and wide international media and television exposure to the region.

"It has terrific potential as one of the Sunshine Coast's major sports festivals and we look forward to working with our government partners and engaging the local business community more to make it even bigger."

The rally was won by the 22-year-old Finnish Rally Champion Esapekka Lappi, driving a factory-backed Skoda Fabia for the Indian MRF Team.

While the event was deemed a success overall, it was marred by a crash on the final day that claimed the life of co-driver James McIntosh and seriously inured driver Grant Brecknell. It was the first fatal crash in the rally's 45-year history.

The 2013 FIA Pacific Rally Championship will resume in Malaysia from 23rd to 25th August and continues in Japan, China and Thailand.

The International Rally of Queensland is supported through Tourism and Events Queensland's Regional Development Program as part of a growing calendar of events across the State.

The International Rally of Queensland also is supported by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

http://www.rallyqueensland.com.au