A record number of entries have been received for the opening event on the New Zealand Rally Championship next month.
A staggering 132 entries have been received by Rally Otago organisers showcasing the growing interest in the new-look championship.
Defending series champion David Holder headlines the field - confirmed to drive world rally star Hayden Paddon's Hyundai New Zealand i20 AP4 car.
Holder's Hyundai entry is one of six AP4 cars confirmed - also competing is local hero Emma Gilmour (Suzuki), Andrew Hawkeswood (Mazda), Glenn Inkster (Skoda), and new cars for Josh Marston (factory-backed Holden Barina) and Carl Davies in a Toyota Yaris.
The number of these AP4 cars is expected to double during the season as more cars are completed.