DriveSouth, the motoring publication of the iconic Otago Daily Times, will be the major sponsor of the Rally of Otago for the next two years.

To be held from April 8 to 10, the DriveSouth Rally of Otago will be the first round of the New Zealand Rally Championship, and will also include the popular International Classic Rally of Otago.

DriveSouth will bring a wide range of publicity to the Rally of Otago
via their network of newspaper publications throughout the lower South
Island and online at its dedicated motoring site, www.drivesouth.co.nz

Allied Press, the owners of the Otago Daily Times, have been a long term
supporter of the rally, and see the new two-year sponsorship deal as a
way of supporting one of Dunedin’s iconic events.

“Allied Press and the Otago Rally have had a long association, and we
are delighted to become naming rights sponsor,” Matthew Holdridge,
Allied Press’ Commercial Manager said. 

“We are celebrating our 150th anniversary this year, we are an integral
part of Dunedin and have been there from the beginning. 

“Likewise, the Otago Rally has been part of the Dunedin calendar since
the beginning of the sport in its modern form in the 1970s.  Every year
we look forward to bringing this special event to Dunedin,” he added.

DriveSouth Rally of Otago spokesman, Roger Oakley, welcomed the new sponsorship deal.

“It’s fantastic news that DriveSouth have come on board as the event’s
major sponsor, and we look forward to an increased partnership over the
next few years,” Oakley said.

“The Rally of Otago has established itself as the southern hemisphere’s
premier classic rally over the past 10 years, and has become a crucial
round in the New Zealand Rally Championship.

“DriveSouth’s increased involvement will allow us to grow the event even further.”

Oakley also express thanks to former key sponsor, Dunlop, who have concluded their support of the Classic Rally.

“Dunlop have been a tremendous supporter of the event for many years,
and they have been instrumental in many of the things that the rally has
achieved.

“Their support has been wholehearted and should not be underestimated.”

Naming rights sponsors for the International Classic Rally of Otago and
the New Zealand Rally Championship component of the event are hoped to
be announced shortly.