There is something about waking up at the ass crack of dawn to watch motorsport with your friends that cannot be beat. And the 50th Anniversary of Otago Rally could not be missed, but first we had to get there. The first early morning was spent on the 9 hour drive from Nelson to Dunedin, which we managed to pull off in one day. It was long and tiring, but thankfully we had most of Friday to rest before it was time for Ceremonial Start.
This year was a special one. The 50th anniversary. And as the cars trundled in to the Octagon, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonderment. For 50 years motorsport and rally enthusiasts just like myself had gathered here to soak up the sights and sounds of some of New Zealand's finest.
Flashing headlights illuminated the crowd as engines revved and the bang of a car back firing echoed out above the chatter and the announcers yarning over the loudspeakers.
Car after car rolling through the ceremonial arch, officially starting the 50th Otago Rally. Camera's flashing, engines roaring, smiles from ear to ear.
The next morning it was off to Stage 3 - Athenaeum. We wanted to get there ahead of the other stages so we could watch the whole group go through, as we didn't want to miss a thing.
Our group set up a spot near a water tank, and our ears perked up as soon as we heard the first car in the distance. They ripped past as break-neck speeds. It was already tricky enough trying to take photos of them, and it wasn't helped by the hearty zap I got from the fence I had leant up against. But sore assed, getting pelted with rocks and showered with dust, I persevered.
Service B in Lawrence was a welcome respite. We wandered in and made our way to our friends and fellow Nelson Car Club acolytes, gathered proudly under the Tea & Biscuits Racing flag. A quick catch up was had while the cars rolled on through.
Hoods were up and helmets off. Drivers liaising with mechanics in a chaotic harmony to figure out what the hell was wrong with this damn car and how do we fix it asap.
We then moved on, and after a spot of lunch and bit of sight seeing we arrived at the Tarmac Super Stage. Truthfully this was one of my favorite stages.
Cars ripping around a street block as fast as they could. Pushing it to the limit. Even a couple of attempted overtakes which had you leaning over the railing to see if they would make it.
Before we knew it it was day 2, and we started off with a very dusty Table Hill. So dusty I didn't take any photos there. But then came the rain. So we had a very wet service in Waihola.
It was clear that some cars had faired better with the weather than others, but it made the liveries gleam. Once again our crew was gathered under the Tea & Biscuits Racing tent, trying our best to keep dry and spirits high.
Luckily it cleared up just in time for another rally highlight, Kuri Bush. The quick down pour was perfect, as it kept the dust down for ideal visibility and making the road just that little bit more slippy.
It was a great way to finish the weekend. Having a few cheeky bevs right on the road side with friends, and once again, getting pelted with rocks. And I really wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you for having us Otago. Will have to do it again.
