Austria's most spectacular rally show is back. After being suspended in 2017 in order to put the enormously grown event on a broader footing, a new organization has now been put in place and the new venue has also been determined. It is located in the heart of the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site. The date has also already been set: July 6-7, 2018.
Grown into a rally monster
What began as a hobby project at the Salzburgring in 2013 grew into a true rally monster in Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer between 2014 and 2016: the Group B rally legends attracted an influx of visitors the likes of which Austria had not seen for years. And for good reason, because both the vehicles and the spectacle at the "Night of Thunder" eclipsed everything that had gone before.
During the last event, however, it quickly became clear to Peter Freisinger and his team of organizers that a continuation would only be possible with professional help, as everyone was aware of one thing: "There was still room for improvement", despite the huge popularity and fan rush. For this reason, organizer Freisinger decided to hand over the "baby", which had grown to a considerable size, into professional hands.
The agency KOOP Live Marketing GmbH & CoKG, which has three locations in Austria and whose clients include Magna, Red Bull Air Race, ÖBB and Microsoft, was the perfect partner for the continuation of the event. The team around the four owners Johannes Haubner, Robert Kals, Robert Prasch and Dieter Recknagl is known for the professional implementation of events with a focus on live marketing. In other words, exactly what motorsport fans love: Emotions, attractions and lots of action. Mastermind Peter Freisinger will be part of the KOOP team in future and will be responsible for all rally-specific aspects and driver support.
Key points set
The date for 2018 has already been set: on Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7, 2018, the air will once again be filled with the rattling of carburetors and the hissing of turbo engines.
The new home of the Group B rally legends will be Austria's first rallycross track: the ÖAMTC Driving Technique Center Wachauring.
The Wachauring not only impresses with sufficient space and visibility for spectators and the picturesque backdrop of Melk Abbey, but is also the perfect place to entertain thousands of rally fans with another top-class motorsport spectacle at the "NIght of Thunder". There is ample parking around the Ring and a covered paddock is also provided.
In addition, the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site not only offers excellent gastronomy and plenty of guest rooms, but also roads that have seen many a legendary race or special stage.
A direct highway connection and proximity to the federal capital of Vienna round off the package.
Further information about the upcoming event will be communicated on the website from mid-December 2017. We can only wish you "good luck"!
