Route released for 2024 Otago Rally

Eight months ahead of next year’s event, organisers of the 2024 Otago Rally have released the final rally route.

Locked in for April 12 and 13 next year, the rally will head south of Dunedin for 275 kilometres of fast gravel road stages – only 12km of which are in forested areas.

The compact route will see the rally based around Lawrence on Saturday, with the second day utilising the much-loved stages in the Waihola area.

As usual, the rally will start on Friday afternoon with the annual rally show in Dunedin’s Octagon, while the finish and champagne celebrations will conclude the event at the Brighton Domain, on the coast.

“We listened to the feedback from competitors and we think the 2024 route will be very popular with competitors and spectators alike,” event spokesman, Roger Oakley, said.

“It’s compact, there are a lot of favourite stages, all on high-quality roads, and many spectator points.”

As has become custom at the Otago Rally, there will be no repeat stages on the route, with relaxed touring stages and 45-minute service breaks giving crews plenty of downtime.

The pre-event reconnaissance will be straightforward – even with no repeated stages – as the route allows for a sensible schedule before the rally.

The opening day will see crews tackle eight stages, from the 2.15km Tarmac Super Stage in Dunedin to the 42km Mitchells Flat/Waipori marathon late in the day.

On Sunday, the route is more compact but the eight stages are all between nine and 28km in length, ensuring a real test of the best.

The rally finishes with the revered Kuri Bush stage, which also acts as the Power Stage for bonus points in the New Zealand Rally Championship, of which this will be the opening round.

“It’s great to be able to have the date and route confirmed eight months ahead of time,” Oakley added.

“It gives plenty of time for competitors and spectators to confirm their plans.”

The 2024 Otago Rally also counts as a qualifying event for the Asia Pacific Rally Championship and includes the famed Otago Classic Rally for 2WD and 4WD cars, and the Allcomers Rally.

The Otago Rally gratefully acknowledges the Premier Event grant support of the Dunedin City Council.