Keeping up with the Joneses

Driver Zeal Jones and co-driver, his aunt Waverley Jones, get ready to run their Skoda FabiaR5 at the ceremonial start for the Southern Lights Rally in Invercargill last night.

Zeal, of Auckland, is only 19 but is one of the most promising rally drivers in the country.

The car is owned by Waverley.

The pair are seeded sixth in the event.

The bulk of the rally will take place today with Cromwell driver and top seed Hayden Paddon expected to be near the front.

It is the first time a top-class rally has been held in Invercargill for 20 years.

The rally will take place on roads around Central Southland and Invercargill starting with a stage last night, in the dark, featuring parts of the Pebbly Hills stage.