The date for the 2011 Rally of Otago has been confirmed as April 8-10 next year, one week earlier than event organisers had initially hoped.

The move is to avoid a clash with the V8 Supercar round to be held in Hamilton.

Planning for the event is now well underway, with organisers also
considering the re-introduction of some night stages – something that
was a feature of the Otago Rally in the 1990s.

“The proposal is that we would run three stages totalling about 50km of
competitive distance on the Friday night,” Clerk of Course, Norman
Oakley, said.

“The balance of the stages (about 220km) would be held as usual in daylight on Saturday and Sunday.
 
“However, before making a decision on this we want to get feedback from
competitors – clearly there is no point in us doing this if it is going
to cost us substantial numbers of entries – or if the demand is not
there.”

Potential competitors with strong views on whether the event should have
night stages or not should contact event organisers as soon as
possible, so that a final decision can be made.