True to his word, Kris Meeke is returning to next April’s Otago International Classic Rally.
On his first visit to Dunedin earlier this year, he dominated the high-speed gravel classic, punching in a string of quickest stage times to secure victory by more than three minutes from runner-up Deane Buist (Ford Escort Mk2) and the Mazda RX7 of John Silcock in third.
Afterwards, the 45-year-old admitted he had been bowled over by the place and people, and had fallen in love with the character and make-up of the country’s high-speed roads.
Meeke — a five-time winner in the FIA World Rally Championship — has decided to stick to the same successful formula second time round, meaning Noel O’Sullivan is co-driving and his car is the Rossendale Wines Ford Escort RS1800 famously dubbed Black Beauty.
“I am super excited to return to the Otago Rally for 2025,” said five-time World Rally event winner Meeke.
“Noel and I had such a great time last time. It really is rallying heaven down there in New Zealand — from the roads to the competitors. Pretty much everything, really.
“We will be again driving the Rossendale Ford Escort Mk2 BDA; it has to be one of best cars in the world to enjoy such a great event — I cannot wait to go back there,” he added.
Meeke’s decision to return to New Zealand to defend a trophy that features the name of Scotsman Jimmy McRae, Estonian Markko Martin and Finland’s Mikko Hirvonen has been welcomed by the Otago International Classic Rally’s Promotions Manager, Roger Oakley.
“We are all delighted that Kris and Noel have agreed to return in 2025,” Oakley added.
“They were hugely popular with the fans and competitors in 2024 — we loved their enthusiasm for the sport and the spectacular masterclass of rally driving they provided for the fans.”
Promoters of the Otago International Classic Rally have confirmed that more than eighty drivers have already signalled they intend to compete and tackle famous stages in the Waipori Gorge and Kuri Bush.
Taking place from April 5-6, next year’s competitive route features over 15 speed tests spanning 175 miles.
Meanwhile, the end-of-season Turkey Run Rally on Saturday has attracted 74 entries, including one from defending champion Aaron McLaughlin in a new Toyota HR Yaris Rally2.
Consisting of five speed tests, the Maiden City Motor Club event is due to get underway shortly after half nine with the overall winners crossing the finish ramp at 5.00pm.