The date for the 2011 Rally of Otago has been confirmed as April 8-10 next year, one week earlier than event organisers had initially hoped.

The move is to avoid a clash with the V8 Supercar round to be held in Hamilton.

Chris West holds a commanding 47.1 second lead after six of the first day’s eight stages in the Rally of Otago.

Driving a Mitsubishi Lancer, West leads Andrew Hawkeswood’s Lancer, with Patrick Malley third in another Mitsubishi.

Christchurch’s Chris West started the opening day of the Rally of Otago today how he would like to continue, winning the first stage and staying right on pace to lead by 56 seconds at the end of the day.

Vantage Aluminium New Zealand Rally Championship competitors rallied over dry and warm stages north of Dunedin and were challenged with a run of the famous Danseys Pass in Central Otago.

The 2010 Rally of Otago is on this weekend, and thousands of spectators are expected to converge on the forests to watch the action, and to capture it on camera.

We want your pictures and videos for the official event website! 

News from some of the Australian competitors from Day 1 of the Dunlop International Classic Rally of Otago.

Darryn Snooks/Matt de Vaus (pictured) in a Datsun Stanza (with FJ motor) dropped a spark plug lead on SS1, then had a spin and jammed throttle cable on SS7.

Check out Day 2's Rally of Otago photos in our photo gallery. "Crowbar" has been out and about on today's stages to capture some great action.

CLICK HERE to view today's photos.

Fortunes swung either way on the second day of Rally Otago for two of the Vantage Aluminium New Zealand Rally Championship drivers. Chris West led the rally throughout the final day despite struggling with grip and car set-up, only to be thwarted on the final stage when he lost a wheel, promoting Dean Sumner to the top of the podium.

Emma Gilmour gave her new Subaru Impreza WRX STI a successful national championship debut on the Otago Rally, finishing runner-up in the overall standings after two days of tough competition.

Ride with Matt Jansen and Jason Farmer on special stage six (Shag Valley) at the 2010 Rally of Otago

The event was round 1 of the New Zealand Rally Championship.