Wrc - nsw

PCC · #1 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 01:17 AM

Went along to see the WRC based at Kingscliff.

This is a huge motorsport worldwide 2nd to F1 in popularity.

Was very disappointed with the field.......

Essentially 2 works teams (Ford & Citreon).

No Subaru works team and no Chris Atkinson.

Very low key affair.

It felt like a national event similar to what I've participated in before, not the world event it is - deserved far mor publicity than what its got.

Australia will struggle to keep this event on their shores given what I saw today.

Shame

Krait · #2 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 03:06 AM

I'm afraid I agree.

Went down for the start on Thursday night. A bit underwhelming. Seen better fields in a State round. Recognised very few local names but then again have been out of it for over 15 years. Was good to see Neal Bates and Coral Taylor giving it a real go.

Cheers

Merv and Sharon · #3 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 04:59 AM

These are major events and in Europe the sides of the road are packed. However, it is footy finals (thank God!).

Merv

PCC · #4 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 04:13 PM

I think you're partly right Merv with the Footy Finals / Rugby Union etc, but there used to be a huge following in Perth (probably due to the Ex Pats) whereas at Kingscliff mid day there can't have been more than a 1,000 people there.

Perth changed the whole image of the sport with their super circuits and spot on scheduling - may be it should be back there.

And to charge you to watch a stage - thats a first for me!

I remember following Rally GB (Lombard RAC Rally) we would follow the cars everywhere ducking in front on special stages in the forests to take our positions.

From a publicity front I think its simply too far away from Sydney to draw the crowds. To set in in a sleepy tourist location was not the right answer.

May be aussies just aren't that interested in the sport - if not have it somewhere that is.

I undertsand it will be in NZ next year - there should be a huge following there as rallying is a pretty big sport in that part of the world.

Disappointed

spookypt · #5 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 06:43 PM

Pete, protestors throwing frozen road kill onto the roads can't help!.

Sad to see and hear all the bad reports!

PCC · #6 (**permalink**) 09-06-2009, 12:47 AM

I have my STI 08 model Subaru and it was the only one I saw all day Saturday.

Either the car is pretty exclusive or the other one's were 'drifting' somewhere else on the Gold Coast.

Ah well, will have to return to Europe to enjoy the WRC Show!!!

Merv and Sharon · #7 (**permalink**) 09-06-2009, 12:59 AM

You're right Peter, it will be a big success in New Zealand. Too much sport here to compete with and the size of Australia means that there are many great stages but they are too far from the people who might watch.

Merv

I sold my 2005 STI last year.