Just in time for Christmas, the Central Machine Hire Otago Rally has unveiled its star driver for the April 2025 event.

Twelve months after his dominant victory, Northern Irishman Kris Meeke will return to Dunedin to drive ‘Black Beauty’, the Rossendale Wines Ford Escort RS1800.

Adamant that he would be back after last year’s domination, Meeke has come good on his promise and can’t wait for the April 5 and 6 event to roll around again.

He will again be co-driven by fellow Irishman, Noel Gallagher.

“I’m super excited to return to the Otago Rally for 2025,” Meeke said.  

“Noel and I had such a great time last time. It’s rallying heaven down there in New Zealand, the roads, the competitors, everything. 

“We’ll be again driving the Rossendale Ford Escort BDA which has to be one of best cars in the world to enjoy such a great event.  I can’t wait!”

Meeke joins an elite list of international star drivers to have contested the Otago Classic Rally on more than one occasion.

Finland’s Pasi Hagstrom, Scotland’s Jimmy McRae and Estonian Markko Martin have all been favourites with Otago Rally fans, as was Meeke and Gallagher in 2024.

“We’re delighted that Kris and Noel have agreed to return,” Central Machine Hire Otago Rally promotions manager, Roger Oakley, said. 

“They were hugely popular with the fans and competitors in 2024.  We loved their enthusiasm for the sport and the spectacular masterclass of rally driving they provided for the fans.”

There has already been over 80 intentions to enter lodged from intending competitors for 2025, an event that will include such famous Otago Rally stages as Waipori Gorge and Kuri Bush.

Next year’s Central Machine Hire Otago Rally route includes 280 kilometres over 15 special stages.

The Central Machine Hire Otago Rally is grateful to the Dunedin City Council for Premier Event funding.

Submit your Intention To Enter for the 2025 Central Machine Hire Otago Rally HERE.