Rally Australia is set to retain the spectacular Coffs Harbour Jetty Super Special stage as plans for next year’s event are already underway.
The arena Super Special situated on the town’s picturesque coastline was one of the event’s new star attractions, proving a hit with spectators, organisers and the FIA.
A purpose built 1.27km stage, sponsored by Destination NSW, was constructed on the harbour front featuring a challenging berm corner and beachside jump.
Runs on Friday and Saturday evening attracted large crowds with the first run also shown on live television via Fox Sports.
Volkswagen drivers Sebastien Ogier and Andreas Mikkelsen starred with the former claiming three of the four runs through the 1.27km stage.
Organisers felt the venue achieved its goal of bringing the WRC to the masses at Coffs Harbour while creating an iconic backdrop for the event.
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Agreements are already in place for the stage to remain part of Rally Australia next year although improvements have already been tabled to increase spectator visibility and ease access to and from the site.
The event also featured a new Super Special stage held at the Raleigh Raceway kart circuit.
“We are keen to run the Super Special again next year,” Rally Australia chairman Ben Rainsford told Speedcafe.com.
“We have an agreement from the stakeholders of Coffs Harbour and the New South Wales government.
“We gave the locals what they wanted with something down on the jetty precinct and they got behind it and supported it.
“It was also part of our broader appeal for Coffs Harbour to be a tourism destination which is important to us.
“It certainly ticked a lot of boxes for us and we are looking for that image that says this is Rally Australia.
“The teams enjoyed it as much as they are ever going to enjoy a Super Special Stage.
“There are a dozen things that we will do differently next year as there are things that can be improved.
“I think we can position a couple of those grandstands a bit differently and ensure moving everyone out the stage is better.”
Rally Australia enters the final year of its current WRC contract next season and is likely to face competition from New Zealand for its slot from 2018.
Speedcafe.com understands a decision regarding its future is expected midway through next season.
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