This is the damage caused to Andrew Hawkeswood's Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX after he hit a forestry gate on the final special stage of the 2009 Rally of Otago.

Not only did Hawkeswood complete the stage, but he went on to claim third outright in the event.

Just for fun, Otago Rally organisers timed competitors over the first quarter mile of one of the stages on Day 2 of the event.

While the times counted for nothing in terms of the rally result, they make interesting reading. Willie Rutherford's Porsche 911 was the quickest 2WD car, while Andrew Hawkeswood was top dog amongst the 4WD competitors.

The 2009 Rally of Otago has received good coverage in the Otago Daily Times, with the 'Drivesouth' publication running stories and photographs in the newspaper, as well as on their website.

CLICK HERE to see the post-event coverage.