RallySport Magazine April 2017

REPORT: OTAGO RALLY SPECTATING
OTAGO FROM THE BACK SEAT
Story: TOM SMITH
Kia ora from Dunedin 2017. As
a passionate rally enthusiast
on Australia’s east coast, there
are really only a few rallies that I enjoy
spectating, and that are relatively easy
to get to from Brisbane.
Local events such as the International
Rally of Queensland (now defunct) and
Rally Australia are in my own back yard,
but for a number of years the Otago
Rally on New Zealand’s South Island has
also been firmly on the calendar.
Those tricksters from the Otago
Sports Car Club keep everyone
guessing each year with an exciting
announcement about a world standard
guest driver coming to Southland to
compete in the event.
In the lead-up to the 2017 rally, the
early news was an intention to enter
Tom Smith with Frank Kelly, and
(above) the exciting Irishman in
action. (Photo: Pete Johnson)
from ‘mad Irishman’ Frank Kelly, and
the late mail confirmed that Markko
Martin and Stephane Prevot would
return to defend their ‘Classic’ title.
Despite the presence of these quick
internationals, take nothing away from
an incredible array of super-fast Kiwis, a
good number of Australian competitors
A long-weekend in Dunedin for (L-R) Peter Whitten, Tom Smith, Pete Johnson and
Luke Whitten.
making the trip over, and a field which
promised to include most of the latest
AP4 rally cars built recently in NZ. Deal
done!
Now, tasks in order of importance:
After some research about flights and
accommodation, bookings were made
and a long weekend was planned, along
with the opportunity to catch up at the
event with a good number of Aussies
also making the trip over.
Check with the better half that she
didn’t mind that I would head off again
– luckily, no objections there.
This year, we’d fly into Christchurch
on the late Air NZ flight, overnight in
a motel and drive down to Dunedin
on the Friday morning in time for the
Friday afternoon gathering of rally cars
at the Octagon in downtown Dunedin.
Travelling with good mate and
sometime
RallySport
Magazine
photographer
Pete Johnson,
we picked up
the trusty ‘Jucy’
rent-a-car from
Christchurch
airport and hit the
road south. Feeling very privileged this
year, I was upgraded from a Daihatsu
Charade to a natty little Suzuki Swift
(automatic of course).
A couple of hours south and a stop
at Oamaru to take a look at the motor
museum was called for, and well worth
the $10 entry fee. Taking pride of place
are an ex-works Audi Quattro, a Ford
Escort RS1800 and at the moment,
the feature spot is held by the John
Spencer-owned Nissan 240RS – which
also has a direct NZ competition
history.
While the 240RS is on the market,
John now calls Dunedin home and
the car sits in complete safety up at
Oamaru.
Not only is the motor museum an
attraction, but the historical precinct at
Oamaru could easily occupy a half day.
Note to self – make time to do more
tourist stuff next year!
Eventually arriving into Dunedin, we
checked into our motel and after basic
unpacking, turned on the heater for
later. Things were cooling down and
Dunedin can be cold in April, although
the weather forecast was for a fine rally
weekend.
26 | RALLYSPORT MAGAZINE - APRIL 2017