It’s getting closer!

At this stage we have received 87 Intent to Enter’s and it’s looking like we will crack the 100 competitors. Something we haven’t seen here in New Zealand for a very long time. What a show we will all be treated to with 100+ vehicles on the start line, all starting at the same time, all racing together over a 50km lap.

The full entry forms are planned to be sent out at the end of Februay to all those competitors that we have received Intent to Enter forms from. So if you are still considering weather to enter, fill out an Intent to Enter form on line, available on this web site and press submit.

Something new: Part of the full entry package will be a media form to complete. This form’s information will be placed onto the web site under “Race Teams Profile”. This will give teams the opportunity to promote themselves, plus you can check out the competition. We will also require a photo/pic emailed to us as part of your profile. So start giving it some thoughts.

Many teams have been asking about the rule book for your sport and the new classes, this is now available in the post below, or go to ORANZ (Offroad Association of New Zealand)

We are pleased to acknowledge that the Offroad Association of New Zealand have come on-board and supporting the Taupo1000 International Offroad Race. This event will still be run like any other open club event and the ORANZ rules still apply. There is no changes in the way the event is managed and run. Like every year it’s run to a very high and professional standard and most of all we have fun doing it.

Looking forward to seeing you all at the Taupo1000 in September 12th 13th and 14th 2013

ORANZ has released their new rule book for 2013.

Head over to their site to check it out

Click here to fill out the online Intent to Enter Form

The Taupo1000 International Offroad Race has gained a lot of interest from not only here in New Zealand but also in Australia, with Raana and his team competiting in their National Series and Brad Prout winning the event in 2011, it has made many stand up and take note. Then we have Trevor Cooper mixing it up with the top guys in the US and spreading the word. Then we have all our own Kiwi spectators traveling to both Australia and the US to support our guys, also spreading to word. So lets see how many of you guys from overseas take up the challenge and come over and compete in New Zealand biggest Offroad Race.

After the Taupo teams last rece and many hours working with some top key people within Taupo, we are about to confirm the all new pit area and its location. We will be updating this site Sunday night 4th November showing you the pit layout, the confirmed event programme and Intent to Enter form that can be completed on-line.

Paul has now plotted many different tracks and areas within the forest. He is not able to confirm the course until it has been approved by the Forestry. One more rece and Paul Sutton says, I will have the information required to submit a couple of options. He can confirm some of the roads are open and fast, very similar to last year.

Once you have completed your Intent to Enter, you can send your request for pit space. It is a good idea to talk to your club and book as a group. A club working together can bring more equipment to cover all the gear required. So once the new pit layout is up on this site, have a look at where you wish to pit and it will be first in bases.

After a meeting held a month prior to check out some options for new pits, on June 22rd, 23nd & 24th the team headed down to Taupo to complete its first rece. Tony, Dave, Colin, Howard and Paul arrived to a sunny day in Taupo and after unloading Paul’s new toy (the Commander) and Colin’s quad we were set to start.

We drove onto the farm and were amazed at the size (100 acres) and its possibilities for a new pit area. Drove around many times and we all agreed, this has got to be the best, if not better, for the new pits. Colin, Howard and Tony stayed on the farm to work out a setup whilst Paul and Dave went to scout the forest that boarders the farm to ensure we have a connection.

After scouting the forest for tracks to connect the two together, yes this works and what a great track. Lunch and it was time for the Commander with Paul dressed in nice warm gear and Dave with his traditional hat and a thick jacket to head out into the forest to find a good clean and fast race track. The other 3 continued to survey the farm and work out a setup.

2pm and Tony had not heard from Paul, so guess what, the cell phone works around most of the forest. He and Dave came back around 4pm as it was getting cold and they have found some very open and fast tracks.

So what a successful first outing and now we need to put a proposal to the farm owners. The farm manager is right behind the event and will help the secure the venue. Paul has a lot of work ahead still in setting a track and to get it signed off by the forestry. The team will be completing many reces before Paul and Dave can confirm the finished race track.

Thanks to all the guys for their hard work and remember we will require others to help clearing once the track is set.

We wish to Welcome you all to our new Official Taupo1000 International Offroad Race web site for the buildup to September 2013.

As you can see this is the start of an event buildup that will give the event partners, competitor, spectators and the volunteers all the information required to be a part of this ” The Largest Offroad Event in the Southern Hemisphere, consisting of 1000 km of Forest Racing.

After many requests Tony Saelman has decided to continue managing the Taupo1000, bugger retirement, lets do whats best for the event and the sport.

We all want to have a flagship event that New Zealand can be proud of, an event that the rest of the world want to come and be a part of, an event that has the profile to which spectators and partners alike want to be involved with, and this is what is coming in September 2013, so just watch this site for updates and news flashes.

The Taupo1000 Team has been confirmed and they are all keen to get started and make this event one that you all want to come and have fun at. Their details can be found on the contacts page, which includes what each team member is responsible for. A big thanks to those that are continuing and to those that have come on board to help make everyone’s job easier.

For those that were at the last Taupo1000 Offroad Race you will have all seen the size the event has grown into and area we had for the Pits called “Te Awa Airstrip”. Well this pit area is no longer available. The forestry have decided that to have an Offroad event of this size, and now getting much larger, is just to dangerous to have this in the middle of their transport and logging hub and there were some roads that we could not use. So our first task is to find a pit the same  size or possibly bigger and the forestry is helping us with this. We have already received many offers of support from all over the country and also overseas to ensure 2013 is even better and safer. So bring it on.

We will be updating you on a regular bases with what the team has been doing and what can be confirmed. If you have any questions go to facebook link (on this site) and just ask or even to just make suggestions. I will endevor to answer you all.