PR2: WINMAX Brake Pads announced as Naming Sponsor

Photo: Geoff Ridder.

The backing of New Zealand’s most successful rally driver along with early commitments from competitors have set the Winmax Brake Pads North Island Rally Series on a solid platform ahead of its debut season in 2023.

Ahead of the inaugural five-round series starting in March 2023, naming rights sponsorship for the new series has been secured by Winmax Brake Pads, distributed by Paddon Rallysport.

“And it’s fantastic to have the support of Hayden Paddon behind our efforts,” says series coordinator Marty Roestenburg.

“The enthusiasm from both sponsors and competitors confirms our belief that a North Island regional series is a missing ingredient for the New Zealand rallying scene.”

“Even before we have launched the series and published the calendar and supplementary regulations, I have already received 30 verbal commitments from competitors who have said they will register for the series.”

The new rally series has been created to fill the gap between the existing rallysprint events and the four NZ Rally Championship events to be held in the North Island in 2023.

“We are proud to support the maiden North Island Rally Series,” says Hayden Paddon.

“Marty and his team have done a fantastic job organising a new initiative that can only support rallying’s growth in New Zealand. It will be great to see competitors from across the regions competing for the inaugural title.

“Winmax Brake Pads have been a great partner to our programmes, including our time in the WRC and as a supporter of New Zealand motorsport.

“From the Otago Rally to the Ashley Forest Rallysprint, the brand has invested into many events, while also offering the Winmax Junior Driver Scholarship to young drivers,” Paddon says.

Also offering major support to the series are Racetech, Generator Rental Services, Semog Racing Products NZ, RCK Contractors and Winger Subaru.

Further support has been committed by iSignit, Jamex Springs, Sparco, and Sell Your Van.

“The promotional side is also taking shape with the assistance of Volt Media, the ChrisSport results service and award winning photographer Geoff Ridder,” says Roestenburg.

“With a full roster of sponsors signed up and an experienced team working on media coverage, it puts us in a strong position to promote the series, offer attractive trophies and prizes and to generate recognition for competitors and the clubs.

“We are receiving amazing support which is much appreciated. The NIRS is for the betterment of rallying and it’s future.”

The series was launched in Auckland this evening (Dec 1) and will begin with the Pukekohe Car Club rallysprint on March 21 and will include rallies based in the Far North region, the Maramarua Forest, an all-tarmac event in Taranaki and the Waitomo Rally.

Author: Colin Smith