Fast Facts

• Opening round of 2020 New Zealand Rally Championship
• Incorporates one of the biggest classic rally's in Southern Hemisphere and includes an entry list of up to 140 cars. 
• Was Hayden's first NZRC rally in 2006 and first NZRC podium in 2007.
• Saturdays popular street stage around the industrial streets of Dunedin is a fan favourite. 

Iconic Stage

• Kuri Bush - now world reknown and most drivers favourite stage, including Hayden. A mix of Finland and New Zealand together, this rollercoaster stage keeps driver and co-driver on edge for the entire 15km.

Highlights

• Hayden and John have won this rally 7 times together and is one of Hayden's favourite rally's in the world
• A new seeding system takes place this year with the Classics cars opening the road in reverse order (approx 50 cars) before the NZRC cars

Challenge

• Generally a fast rally with many blind crests. Accurate pace notes and commitment is key on such an event
• Longer forestry stages can be hard for car and drivers, this year with Berwick forest at 42km being run twice!
• Early April means rally can be hot, dry and dusty, or very wet and muddy.

Car Setup

• Gravel setup, setup for fast conditions and generally lower ride height
• Low tyre wear so softer compound tyres can be used, especially on colder morning starts.

What´s new for 2020

• a two-day, all daylight format will be employed, with around 280km of special stages.
• Up to 90% of the route will be on fast, public roads, with the balance of stages taking place on good forestry roads.

Results

2019 
1st - Hayden Paddon/John Kennard, Hyundai AP4

2018
1st - Hayden Paddon/John Kennard, Hyundai AP4

2016
1st - Hayden Paddon/John Kennard, Hyundai AP4