Record Entry for 50th Anniversary Central Machine Hire Otago Rally Kicks Off TER Series, the World Series of TER, 2026

148 crews and global stars headline the opening round of “The World Series of TER” in Dunedin, New Zealand

The Central Machine Hire Otago Rally, the first round of the TER Series, the World Series of TER 2026, is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a record entry.
The classic Dunedin event will feature 148 crews contesting more than 280 competitive kilometres across 16 special stages of gravel. Consequently, this makes it one of the biggest and most international fields in the rally’s history.  

The 50th Anniversary Central Machine Hire Otago Rally (10–12 April 2026) is positioned as a major spectator event.  Strong demand for entries confirms Otago’s status as one of the premier gravel rallies in the Asia‑Pacific region. In addition, it draws top‑level local and national teams. There is also a large contingent of international competitors.  

As the opening round of The World Series of TER, the Otago Rally gathers a high‑calibre international field. It has a strong presence of top names from the world rally scene. The entry list includes World Rally Championship veterans such as Kris Meeke and Mads Østberg. It also features Pasi Hagström and Toby Price, Dakar Rally legend and multi‑time king of the desert. All are adding star power to the 50th‑anniversary edition.

Among the entrants, Édgar Vigo and Fatima Ameneiro, two‑time champions of the TER – Tour European Rally, will be on site competing in a Suzuki Swift. They are ready to tackle a new experience on the fast, flowing New Zealand stages.

The Central Machine Hire Otago Rally marks the start of the TER Series 2026 calendar. This continues with events in Barbados (BCIC Rally Barbados), South Africa (Algoa National Rally) and Italy (Rally Terra Sarda). By grouping these diverse rallies under the “World Series of TER” banner, the series strengthens its role as a global platform for international rallying. Notably, it now includes events on 4 different continents.

Luca Grilli, TER Series Promoter and Organiser, said:
“The 50th anniversary edition of the Central Machine Hire Otago Rally is a very special moment for the event and for the TER Series. As the first round of the World Series of TER 2026, this event sets up a season that connects four different continents and different rally cultures, all under the same platform.”