Rallying may be in limbo, but New Zealand’s Otago Rally is getting on the front foot, announcing the date for the 2021 event.

The rally will again be the opening round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, and will be held from April 16-18, 2021.

The date is a fortnight after Easter, and the early announcement will ensure competitors can plan well in advance.

“Our plan will be to use most, if not all, of the event we had planned for this year, and the intention will be to kickstart top level rallying in New Zealand in a spectacular manner,” Otago Rally event manager, Norman Oakley, said.

“Our 2021 rally will offer competitors 280 kilometres of stages, a two-pass recce, and 90% public roads.”

Talks are already underway with a prominent international driver for next year’s rally, who will likely drive the Rossendale Rally Team’s Ford Escort RS1800.

It is also expected that many of the 30 international crews who had entered the 2020 rally will return next year.

“Hopefully the early date confirmation will mean that other overseas competitors can also plan to attend,” Oakley added.

Along with being the opening round of the national championship, a high quality field is expected for the annual International Otago Classic Rally, and the adjoining Allcomers event.

The Otago Rally receives Major Events funding from Dunedin City Council, and is supported by the Otago Community Trust.