With nearly four weeks to go for crews entered in the International Classic Rally of Otago, one of the entries crossing the Tasman for this iconic event will be Victorians Grant Walker and Tracey Dewhurst.
Grant Walker and his Escort during the 2016 Otago Rally.The pair teamed up for the event in 2016, finishing in ninth position.
“2016 was a great result for us, especially with the calibre of crews that finished in front. This year we are aiming higher for sure,” Dewhurst said.
“Grant and I committed to do this event again together for 2017 and we can’t wait to get back there for this amazing event. It’s an event we both have spent a lot of time analysing from last year, and I’m fully confident we will have an even better formula this year.”
Once again they will be contesting the event in a Ford Escort RS1800 BDG owned and prepared by rally parts supplier Palmside NZ.
“The amount of Australians heading to this event is increasing every year, and it is a testament to the organisers and volunteers who make it happen.
“The roads are like heaven for any rallyist, so that also is a big draw card to the region, but it’s the incredible people in NZ and their support and friendships that make it even better.
“It’s definitely one of my all time favourite rallies for sure,” Tracey admits
“Plenty of Aussie spectators are heading over in April to watch the spectacular rally, with reviews year after year from Aussie crews competing, the attraction of international competitors Markko Martin and Stephane Prevot, Frank Kelly, and NZ-based co-driver Noel Moloney for 2017.
“But a big attraction this year is the entry of four-time Australian Rally Champion, Simon Evans, in the Snooks Motorsport prepared Datsun Stanza owned by fellow Otago competitor, Darryn Snooks.”
The rally in based in the city of Dunedin, and is held over the weekend of April 8 and 9.
- Team release