Two winners of 2025 Otago Rally scholarship

An influx of quality applications has seen the Central Machine Hire Otago Rally award scholarships go to two up-and-coming young rally drivers.

Choosing a single winner from the 15 applications wasn’t an easy task, and eventually, Cromwell’s Terri Taylor and North Canterbury’s Harri Silcock were chosen as winners.

Twenty-five-year-old Terri Taylor was brought up on the clay of the Cromwell Speedway and first competed when she was 13.

She has progressed through the motorsport ranks and currently drives a Subaru Impreza WRX, making her debut in the car at last year’s Southern Lights Rally.

A mechanical problem saw her retire from second place in the 4WD Classic section, but the die was cast.

“It’s safe to say that I am hooked, and now I really want to compete for the first time in the world-famous Otago Rally,” she said. “It will be a real bucket list achievement for me.”

Harri Silcock started driving grass karts at the age of 12, and with his father, John, a long-time New Zealand rally competitor, the sport was in his genes.

He contested the Mainland Rally Championship in 2024 in a 1600cc Toyota Starlet, finishing second in his class, and also completed one day of the Otago Rally.

“I really enjoyed my first rally outside Christchurch last year,” he said of his Otago Rally entry.

“The ceremonial start, the atmosphere, the overseas competitors: it was a real step up from what I am used to.

“To win the scholarship this year and have the chance to contest the whole two-day rally means the world to me.”

Both scholarships winners receive free entry to the Central Machine Hire Otago Rally, including a set of stage notes, and $500 in cash.

They will also be offered the use of a workshop throughout the rally.

“We were delighted with the response, with a record 15 applications. All were of very high calibre and it was very difficult to decide on the final recipients,” scholarship convenor, Tony Johnston, said.

“Any of them would be worthy and the applications showed that there is a great new generation of talent coming through.”

The scholarship program is also something that is very dear to the heart of event sponsor, Allan Dippie.

“One of most enjoyable things about supporting the Otago Rally is being able to help the next generation. All the scholarship applicants impressed me with their motivation and passion for the sport,” Central Machine Hire owner, Dippie, said.

The Central Machine Hire Otago Rally is grateful to the Dunedin City Council for Premier Event funding.

For more information on the Otago Rally, visit www.otagorally.com