Speed greed is peaking one day out from the Coffs Coast round of the FIA World Rally Championship.
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Reconnaissance has been going for the past two days with crews from all over the world stopping by local establishments for a bit of Nambucca hospitality on their way to test out the track.
Susan from Mack’s Ville cafe on Princess St said the French rally team popped by the cafe on Tuesday morning for a fuel up.
As far as the action goes, it’s good news for the Monday to Friday workers, with all the stages south of Coffs happening on Saturday.
But be prepared for a soggy track with rain forecast in the area on Friday and Saturday.
Citroen’s Kris Meeke has been looking forward to the Nambucca stage.
It’s got a particular flow to it, a nice rhythm, some really technical sections in the forest and when you can see the wide open spaces it’s beautiful to drive. Fifty kilometres of Nambucca is pretty special.
- Kris Meekes
The local stage can be viewed from three separate vantage points.
There’s a raised viewing area in place at Talarm Hall where you can catch all the thrills of the zigzag dirt turns approaching the area, with cars expected to make an appearance at 7.23am and again at 12.27pm.
On-road parking is available leading up to the viewing area.
At Simpson’s Ridge, Bowraville, at 7.28am and 12.32pm, rev-heads have the best chance to catch some real speed, with possibly the fastest bitumen section of the whole rally.
Parking is available in a paddock 400m away.
Whereas the intersection of North Arm and Graces Rd at Argents Hill, is the place to test photography skills as drivers negotiate a spectacular 90 degree left turn.
To be in with a chance to snap a gun pic, be there before 7.38am or 1.27pm.
Parking will be available in a paddock 200m from the viewing area.
The Newry State Forest stage near Urunga should kick off at 9am, then again at 2.27pm while the Raleigh Raceway is the best place to see an entire race from start to finish in the comfort of shaded seating and with real-time commentary.
The red and white hazard tape visible at past events will now define no-go-zones.
“If you’re standing in a red/white taped area, a public safety marshal will ask you to move to a less dangerous position,” the Rally Australia website says.
A reminder the event is a fire, litter, pet and drone-free zone.
More info is available at rallyaustralia.com.au including how to get to the viewing areas on the day.