Over 100 entries for 2025 Otago Rally

A bumper entry of over 100 cars will start next month’s Central Machine Hire Otago Rally, the opening round of the New Zealand Rally Championship.

To be based in Dunedin from April 4-6, the rally has attracted an impressive 21 international teams from all around the world, as well as some of rallying’s biggest names.

Local star, and reigning two-time European Rally Champion, Hayden Paddon, will compete in the Classic Rally field for the first time since 2015.

Paddon will drive an Escort RS1800 as he goes up against last year’s Classic winner, Northern Ireland’s Kris Meeke, in a similar car.

The top-end of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship is also looking strong as well, headed by last year’s winner Jack Hawkeswood in a Toyota GR Yaris AP4.

The fight for the national title looks like being at least a five-way battle, with the favourite again likely to be last year’s championship winner, Ben Hunt, in a Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo.

Moving from a Ford to a new Skoda Fabia Rally2 also puts Robbie Stokes right in contention as well, while Dunedin’s own Emma Gilmour will also be eyeing off the title in her Citroen C3 Rally2.

The 2025 Central Machine Hire Otago Rally begins with a rally show and ceremonial start in Dunedin’s Octagon on Friday, April 4, ahead of two days and 15 stages in Central Otago.