The scaled-down Catlins Rallysprint replaced the long-standing Catlins Rally last year, and returns to the deep south tomorrow and Sunday.
Owaka will act as headquarters for both 10km sprints, which take in sections of classic Catlins Rally stages Puaho Rd and Cannibal Bay Rd.
Run jointly by Eastern Southland and South Otago car clubs last year, this year South Otago (SOCC) takes the helm solo.
SOCC president Dean McCrostie said drivers and spectators alike should enjoy two challenging and varied stages over the weekend.
"The Catlins Rally has been an iconic event on the motorsport calendar for years, and the rallysprint version captures all of that excitement, while allowing a wide range of drivers to take part.
"We’ll have everyone from novices to high flyers from the south and further afield out on the back roads, getting a chance to enjoy some old-school rallying.
"These two sections provide everything from fast-flowing public roads to tighter technical sections through forestry. It’s going to be a great weekend."
Rallysprinting differed from conventional rallying mainly in distance and duration, McCrostie said.
Drivers must take a passenger, and would have an opportunity to dry-run the course first, before taking part in four consecutive timed runs.
Driver briefings would take place at 10am each day, followed by rallying until about 4pm, he said.
McCrostie said about 40 entries had been received earlier this week; further entries would be taken up to the day itself, subject to entrants meeting safety regulations.
He thanked local sponsors and volunteers for making the event possible.
"This is a whole community event, so we’re looking forward to welcoming our visitors this weekend."
No stranger to the gravel himself, McCrostie said he would largely be restricted to the control booth this year.
"I might have to nip out for some co-driving if I’m needed."
