Great interest in the 2024 Central Machine Hire Otago Rally is present across the rallying community of New Zealand as the first round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship looms.

At the most recent Intentions to Enter update, there are 132 crews on the list hoping to make the start line of the famous rally, with 26 internationals preparing to come to Dunedin, New Zealand, to sample the pristine rally roads and fine local hospitality.

In comparison to years past, this number is a record, and the international number continues to climb after the limitations brought on by the pandemic.

“We are extremely pleased with the level of interest, it’s as high as its ever been,” event spokesperson Roger Oakley said.

“While we know that some of the competitors on the list will not be able to come this year, there are others who are not on the list who we know will be here. New Zealand Rally Championship competitors tend to wait until entries come out,” he added.

“This level of interest is a great boost for the organisers, volunteers and sponsors.”

The formal regulations and entry forms are expected to be available next week, which this year will be managed through Motorsport New Zealand’s new app.

Interest in the event is strong among all classes, however, Allcomers entrants are coming in with record numbers. Twelve internationals are included in the 42 intentions to enter already received.

In 2024, this is looking like being the most popular class of the entire Central Machine Hire Otago Rally field.

Often a feeder class for the NZRC, you can also find many classic rally cars and enthusiasts in this class who keep coming back year after year for the betterment of the sport.

This class features unique rally cars like V6 VW Golfs and a V8 Toyota Corolla, and welcomed international entries like Phil Thomas, Braeden Kendrick and Vanuatuan drivers Julian Langley and Nelson Law.

Competitors preparing themselves for a national championship win are the likes of Raana Horan and Mike Young, while fast drivers such as Kris Meeke, Derek Ayson, Ari Pettigrew and Marcus van Klink will be in the Classic 2WD field.

270km of mainly public road stages will await competitors, with no repeats and a compact route combining for a great feast of rally action for competitors and spectators alike.

Intentions to Enter the Central Machine Hire Otago Rally remain open and can be made HERE, while spectators can access the 2024 Rally Map at any time.

The Otago Rally gratefully acknowledges the Premier Event grant support of the Dunedin City Council.