News
New TER World Series christened by Hayden Paddon in Otago Rally
04.02.2023
The TER goes down under to aim higher
The 2023 season is bringing many news for the TER Series crews and fans. The new-for-2023 TER World Series will expand the reach of the newest concept of Rally series, starting from New Zealand, passing by the French Riviera with Rallye Antibes Côte d’Azur and ending in glamorous Sardinia, with Rally Terra Sarda hosting the final event of the TER Series. More events will be announced soon.
The first event to feature in the calendar is Otago Rally, from March 31st to April 2nd. Based in Dunedin, where it has been a regular attraction since over 45 years, it allows crews and fans to experience great sporting action, while enjoying all that the beautiful city and stunning hinterland have to offer, such as the eco-tourism of the Otago Peninsula, the many unique shops, galleries and museums, or the fantastic restaurants and cafes.
The 2023 Otago Rally will kick off from the Centre of Dunedin on the evening of Friday, March 31st, with a Motorshow and Ceremonial Start, featuring a variety of activities including autograph sessions, rally car displays, start ceremony, a rally forum and much more.
The first day of sporting action will take the crews north of Dunedin, on roads to the west of Oamaru last used in the Otago Rally in 2018. The route includes nine Special Stages on fast public roads including the famous stage over Danseys Pass as well as ‘Shag Valley’ with the photographers’ favourite jump. The final stage will be the traditional tarmac ‘Super Special Stage’ run on the streets of Dunedin, which all crews will tackle using gravel spec tyres.
The second leg will visit both sides of the Taieri Plains, evolving around the Service Park on the shores of Lake Waihola using a mixture of new stages as well as favourites such as Waipori Gorge, Taieri Beach and of course, Kuri Bush.
New Zealand is the home country of Hayden Paddon. The record 6-time Kiwi Champion, Hyundai New Zealand driver, TER Series Ambassador and winner of the 2022 TER – Tour European Rally has 9 victories in Otago under his belt. In Otago Rally he will be returning to action after a triumphant 2022 season which saw him conquer a record sixth National Title, as well as maiden TER – Tour European Rally and APRC honours.
