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Stars set for Otago Rally 2023 TER W Series Round 1

11.03.2023

Sporting Champions to embellish the new Series’ maiden round

 

Everything is ready for the 2023 edition of the great New Zealand event, Otago Rally. Rallying fans will be eager to see 9-time event winner, TER Ambassador, 2022 TER – Tour European Rally, Asia-Pacific and New Zealand Champion, Hyundai New Zealand driver Hayden Paddon as he targets a tenth win in the Dunedin-based event.

 

The event’s international guest and former WRC Works driver, Flying Finn Mikko Hirvonen, will take his first taste of the International Classic Rally of Otago. But there is another Sporting Champion who will switch from her usual attire to racing overalls: Olympic medallist, and three-time World Champion BMX racer, Sarah Walker will make her rallying debut at this year’s Otago Rally as guest driver. Sarah will be driving alongside co-driver Grant Marra in the same 1998 Subaru Impreza as gold medallist Hamish Bond in 2022 and motorcycle racer Avalon Biddle in 2021.

 

Rally spokesman Roger Oakley said: “We’re excited to have Sarah compete in the rally, she’s been really enthusiastic and I know she’ll have a fantastic experience. Having her compete is truly motivating for all the people who make this event happen and we hope will bring along some new fans. She’ll be a wonderful ambassador.”

 

Fans will have a chance to see Sarah Walker during the Otago Rally at the ceremonial start in Dunedin’s Octagon on Friday, March 31st, at the service parks or on the Super Stage in Dunedin on Saturday April 1st.

 

Otago Rally is the opening round of the new-for-2023 TER W Series. The rally has attracted many local and international competitors, including Hayden Paddon, Emma Gilmour, Raana Horan, Todd Bowden and drivers from Finland, Australia, New Caledonia, Japan, Philippines and Vanuatu.