APRC Coordinator

WELCOME TO THE 2010 ASIA PACIFIC RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

APRC 2010 will again feature 7 events on the calendar, 3 in the Pacific region and 4 in the Asia region.

The rotation of events will feature a new format in 2010, in an attempt to reduce the need for “back-tracking” of shipping containers from one event to another.

Starting with the first event in Johor (Malaysia) in April, on to Obihiro (Japan) and then heading south for the 3 events in Pacific - Whangarei (NZ), Queensland (Australia), Noumea (New Caledonia).  Following after that are the remaining 2 events in Makassar (Indonesia) and the final event of 2010 in November in Longyou (China)

As in previous 2 years, the Asia and Pacific Cups will again feature as opportunities for teams to be a part of APRC, without the need to commit to nominating 6 events for the year. This has proved successful with several teams taking this option.   espite the recent global economic turmoil, and the uncertainty this created, indications are that the tide has turned with teams returning to APRC and being a part of this demanding and challenging championship.

The APRC in 2010 will also feature another option with the introduction of wild cards. This provides opportunities for local drivers and teams to register for APRC, and score points, without the need to commit to the full APRC. If further events are to be contested, drivers and teams must register with the FIA, as do those who register for the full series. Applications for wild card registration must be approved by the APRC Working Group Executive  (more details available in the APRC regulations or by contacting myself).

With the likely appearance of 2 more manufacturers in the series in 2010, the dominance of the traditional Group N4 class cars of Mitsubishi and Subaru will be under threat.

We are looking forward to seeing some new, but familiar, faces contesting the 2010 championship. The competition is promising to be intense with some high profile drivers returning from within the region. And it is also very encouraging to see teams from countries within the region preparing to once again take up the challenge of this diverse championship.

The success of the APRC’s first all female crew in 2009 ( Emma Gilmour - 2^nd overall in the APRC classification) has added a new dimension to this championship  and we hope this will encourage more women in to our series.

This year’s calendar has been set and confirmed by the FIA with the same number of rounds as in 2009 - 7. Registered competitors are required to nominate 6 of the 7 rounds at the time of registration, and thus score points at those events.

A similar requirement for the Asia and Pacific Cups, where competitors are required to nominate 3 of the 4 Asia rounds, or the 3 Pacific rounds. It is possible to register for the APRC (nominating 6 events) and one of the Cups.

With 7 rounds spread over 8 months of the year, it will mean that team preparation will be to the highest standard to ensure successful competition at each event.

As any APRC event or championship information comes available I am currently sending out an email brief to all interested parties to alert them to this fact. This has proven to be very popular to update teams of developments.

For any interested person, team or firm, who has an interest in the APRC, and wishes to be included on the distribution list, please email me at the address below.

For any current information on the APRC; events, dates, logistics, shipping, documentation etc, please feel free to contact me directly.

In a private capacity I am providing a coordinated shipping and logistics service to APRC competitors. Full details of this service are available on request.

Good Rallying, and look forward to seeing you on event somewhere.

I

Murray Brown
APRC Coordinator
+64 21 464 921  mobile
+64 3355 6125  office
+64 3355 6128  fax

murray.brown@xtra.co.nz

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