Northland teenager Kirsty Nelson is the youngest driver in this year's rally. The 17-year-old from Waiotira, south of Whangarei, was awarded a scholarship into the event after winning the clubman's rally at the Rotorua International this year. She will drive a Subaru prepared by Richard Mason Motorsport.
Ruahinefarmer Malcolm Stewart first contested Rally New Zealand in 1972 in a Fiat 125. This year he will drive a Mitsubishi Lancer with Mike Fletcher, who shared in some of Possum Bourne's triumphs.
There will be a new winner and a new top Kiwi this year. Sebastien Loeb, right, won last time by 49s from Marcus Gronholm with Petter Solberg 18s further back. First Kiwi was Mark Tapper. Loeb and Tapper are not in the field.
Nobody can accuse the Rally New Zealand organisers of scalping the public. The 64-page official programme costs $10. Eight years ago the price was the same for a 52-page publication.
World rallying returns to Mystery Creek in style with the HQ service area and a special stage all on site. Mystery Creek was previously one stage on longer world events, based in Rotorua and touring the upper half of the North Island.
