Seventy-four of the best national and international drivers are expected for the fifth and final round of the New Zealand Rally Championship on the Coromandel today.

Rally Headquarters for the Mahindra GoldRush Rally Coromandel will be based at Mercury Bay Sports Park and spectators are invited view the cars and crews up close as they come in for servicing.

Newly crowned National Champion David Holder heads the 74 car field at the Mahindra GoldRush Rally Coromandel, the final round of the 2016 NZ Rally Championship. Photo: Geoff Ridder.

Drivers will tackle 121 kilometres of special stages across the Coromandel on public and forestry roads.

The rally then wraps up with a ceremonial finish which will follow the last special stage of the day down Joan Gaskell Drive and takes place at Blacksmiths Lane off Whitianga's main street at 5.30pm.

On the podium for the ceremonial finish will be the first three placers overall, followed by the top three in each of the classes, who'll be presented with their trophies and a champagne spray.

'The ceremonial finish is an opportunity for everyone to come along and check out the rally cars and meet the drivers,” says Rally NZ spokesperson Blair Read.

Thames-Coromandel District Council is also throwing a street party following the ceremonial finish and would love to see a large crowd celebrating with the drivers, co-drivers and pit crew.

'We want to thank Rally NZ organisers for once again showing their support of the Coromandel by holding the final round of the NZRC in our district,” Thames-Coromandel Mayor Glenn Leach

'The Mercury Bay community are excellent hosts and we appreciate the input this event has to our local economy, as well as being an attraction for anyone who has a love of fast cars.”

COROMANDEL ROAD CLOSURES – SATURDAY, AUGUST 20:

7:30am to 11:15am - Port Charles Road from the intersection of Colville Road and Port Jackson Road to the intersection of Waikawau Beach Road. All of Waikawau Beach Road and Tuateawa Road to the intersection of Waihirere Drive.

8:20am to 4:30pm - 309 Road - From the Waterworks Gate to house number 1715 on the 309 Road

9:30am to 3:30pm - Tapu-Coroglen Road - From the intersection of SH 25 at Coroglen to House number 436 Tapu-Coroglen Road

2:00pm to 6:00pm - Joan Gaskell Drive - From the intersection of SH25 and Kupe Drive.

3:30pm to 7:00pm - Blacksmiths Lane - From the intersection of Albert Street to The Esplanade

For more information visit the New Zealand Rally Championship website at: nzrallychamps.co.nz