The itinerary for the 2011 Otago Rally is now available, and includes 15 special stages with a total competitive distance of over 278 kilometres.

The 2011 rally will begin with three 17 kilometre gravel stages on Friday night, including the popular Whare Flat test on the outskirts of Dunedin.

On Saturday morning the event will head south to Lawrence for a further
five gravel stages, the longest of which is the challenging 45 kilometre
test through the Berwick Forest.

The day finishes with the traditional tarmac blast around the streets of Dunedin.

A further six stages make up leg two, on Sunday, including some of the
event’s most popular stages – Kuri Bush, McIntosh Road, Waipori Gorge,
and a repeat of the 45 kilometre Berwick stage.

The rally contains a good mix of new and traditional stages, which event
spokesman, Roger Oakley, says will really challenge competitors.

“We’re pleased with the route that we’ve come up with for next year’s event as it offers something for everyone,” Oakley said.

“Once again we are finishing both Saturday and Sunday with the longest
stage of the rally (Berwick), so the winner of the rally won’t be known
until the very end.

“We’re excited about the night stages that will start the event, as it’s
a real step back in time to what the Otago Rally used to be 10 or 15
years ago.

“We know the competitors will love it, and we’re confident that the
spectators will give it their stamp of approval as well,” he said.

The 2011 Otago Rally itinerary and an Intention to Enter form are now available.

* The event itinerary may undergo minor changes in the lead up to the rally.