Star Estonian driver, Markko Martin, charged home to take out the Stadium Cars International Rally of Otago aboard his Rossendale Ford Escort RS1800.

Markko Martin won the Otago Classic Rally for a second time. (Photo: Peter Whitten)A stellar battle emerged between Martin and New Zealander, Regan Ross, early on day one, and continued right until the end of the final stage.

Ross lead overnight, however Martin took the Sunday honours, winning all but two of the day’s stages, reeling in the 23.4 second day one deficit.

The 47km Shaw’s Hill stage proved decisive, as Martin took the advantage, taking the stage victory by over 20 seconds.

Marcus Van Klink and Derek Ayson both hit trouble throughout the day, with off road excursions ending their chances of a podium place.

John Silcock finished his strong weekend with a podium finish, guiding his Mazda RX7 to the finish over four minutes behind the two leading Escorts.

A roll during in the day’s latter stages didn’t stop Jeff Judd, as he got his Escort home in a fine fourth place.

Ashton Wood just missed out on a top five position after Tony Gosling struck problems late in the day. Both were driving Escort RS1800s.

First placed Australian, Grant Walker, finished in seventh position in his Escort.