Mr Fraser made the announcement at the Rally Australia launch in Sydney today and was joined by two Hyundai World Rally Championship drivers: Australia’s own Chris Atkinson, who hails from the NSW South Coast town of Bega, and from across the Tasman, New Zealand’s Haydon Paddon.

“Rally Australia 2014, the Australian leg of the FIA World Rally Championship, aims to build on last year’s successful event that attracted around 13,000 visitors and injected approximately $9 million into the local economy,” Mr Fraser said.

“In just three months’ time, from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 September 2014, Rally teams will face some of the toughest conditions on the WRC global circuit as drivers and navigators negotiate the spectacular Coffs Coast terrain.

“Rally fans will be treated with spectacular vantage points during the daytime country stages and then can line the streets of the CBD for the thrill of head-to-head racing in the evening Super Special Stage.

“I look forward to welcoming international World Rally superstars, their entire teams and the officials and spectators as the battle for WRC supremacy is fought here on the Coffs Coast.”

Mr Fraser said in addition to the boost in visitor spend to the Coffs Coast from Rally enthusiasts, global television coverage of Rally Australia 2014 would also provide a great opportunity to showcase the magnificent Coffs Harbour region to the world.

“A cumulative international television audience estimated at more than 50 million will tune in to catch the Rally Australia 2014 action throughout some of our State’s most spectacular and rugged countryside,” Mr Fraser said.

“I am looking forward to some fantastic Rally action in September and encourage visitors attending Rally Australia 2014 to not only purchase their tickets to this fun filled event but to check out some of the marvellous attractions to be found around the Coffs Coast.”

Rounds of the East Coast Bullbars Australian Rally Championship and Australian Off Road Championship will also add to the smorgasbord of motorsport action on offer over the four days of Rally Australia on Coffs Coast.

To purchase tickets to Rally Australia, please visit rallyaustralia.com.au/ticketing

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