In a field totally dominated by Subarus, Olympic Gold Medalist Hamish Bond is the star attraction in the 2022 Otago Classic 4WD Rally.

The rowing superstar isn’t expected to be anywhere near the leading pace set by his rivals, but his entry into the rally has attracted significant media attention across New Zealand.

Of the 16 entries that will tackle the two days and 16 competitive stages, 15 of those are entered in Subarus, with only Auckland’s Chris Lockyear in a Mitsubishi Lancer.

The favourite for the Classic 4WD victory will be Rangiora’s Sean Haggarty in an Impreza WRX, with Dunedin local, Tom Bond, pushing him hard in his Subaru.

Of the 15 Subarus in the field, all are either Impreza WRXs, Legacy RS’s, or the 6-cylinder Impreza H6 – a non-turbocharged version of the popular model.

The top seeds are followed by Nick Marston, Steve Cox and Russell Burgess, so consistency over the full distance of the rally will help to determine who comes out on top.

The Otago Classic 4WD Rally forms part of the opening round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, which has attracted 39 entries, headed by former WRC star Hayden Paddon.

In total, over 100 cars will contest the Otago Rally, which begins in Dunedin’s Octagon on Friday evening, before heading onto the gravel for two days of competition.

To follow this weekend’s event, use the following links:

• Otago Rally map and entry list

• Otago Rally stage maps

• Otago Rally results
• Get detailed stage news on the Sportity app, using the password: rallynews