Night stages will return to the Otago Rally in 2011 after a competitor survey highlighted an overwhelming desire to tackle stages after dark.

To be held from April 8 to 10 next year, it will be the first time in 15 years that the Otago Rally has included night stages.

“We surveyed our entrants and found that there was a strong support for
this move,” Otago Rally Clerk of Course, Norman Oakley, said.

The change in event format will see competitors contesting stages over three days.

After a ceremonial start in Dunedin on the Friday evening, crews will
immediately tackle three stages that night with a competitive distance
of around 50 kilometres.

The rally will continue on Saturday with six daylight stages, including
the popular tarmac super special stage around the streets of central
Dunedin.

On Sunday, a further six daylight gravel stages will see a total event competitive distance of approximately 275 kilometres.

“We pleased to make some changes to the event based on what the competitors want,” Oakley added.

“Next year’s event will use a mixture of stages, including some of the old favourites, such as Waipori Gorge and Kuri Bush.

“We will also run stages in an area that the rally hasn’t been to for some time.”

The event will be the first round of the New Zealand Rally Championship,
and will also incorporate the popular Classic Rally of Otago.