Meeke, who dominated this year’s Otago Rally, is returning to Dunedin to drive his "Black Beauty" — the Rossendale Wines Ford Escort RS1800 — at the Otago Rally in April next year.
He will again be partnered by co-driver and countryman Noel Gallagher.
"I’m super excited to return to the Otago Rally for 2025," Meeke said.
"Noel and I had such a great time last time. It’s rallying heaven down there in New Zealand, the roads, the competitors, everything.
"We’ll be again driving the Rossendale Ford Escort BDA which has to be one of best cars in the world to enjoy such a great event.
"I can’t wait."
Meeke joins an elite list of international star drivers to have contested the Otago Classic Rally more than once.
Finland’s Pasi Hagstrom, Scotland’s Jimmy McRae and Estonian Markko Martin have all been favourites with Otago Rally fans, as were Meeke and Gallagher in 2024.
"We’re delighted that Kris and Noel have agreed to return," Otago Rally promotions manager, Roger Oakley, said.
"They were hugely popular with the fans and competitors in 2024. We loved their enthusiasm for the sport and the spectacular masterclass of rally driving they provided for the fans."
More than 80 drivers have already signalled they intend competing at the Central Machine Hire-sponsored rally which will include stages in the Waipori Gorge and Kuri Bush.
Next year’s event route includes 280km over 15 stages.
— APL
