Rally good class for Automotive students

Otago Polytechnic's Heavy Automotive workshops in Kaikorai Valley were revving up on Friday, as ākonga got the chance to observe and assist with the scrutineering process, ahead of this weekend's Otago Rally.

Students from some of Otago Polytechnic's automotive programmes - including enthusiastic teenagers from the Otago Secondary Tertiary College (OSTC) course - learned from race officials from the New Zealand Rally Championship, as they gave more than 30 cars an in-depth inspection.

The process ensures the safety of drivers (and co-drivers) before they hit the roads, and ensures vehicle changes are locked down for the duration of the NZRC series.  Scrutineering work includes checking roll-cages, seats, harnesses, race suits, helmets, and first-aid kits.

The Otago Rally is the opening round of the 6-event New Zealand Rally Championship series, and brings high-octane excitement to the scenic roads around our region.

A full field of over 100 cars will start this weekend's Otago Rally (April 4-6), with stars including Hayden Paddon (reigning two-time European Rally Champion), Emma Gilmour, defending NZRC champion Ben Hunt, 2024 Otago Rally winner Jack Hawkeswood, and Canterbury brothers Robbie and Jack Stokes.