MEDIA RELEASE
 
THE CATLINS COAST RALLY IS BACK 
 
One of the most popular rallies in New Zealand, the Catlins Coast Rally, is back.
 
Eighty-two competitors are set to tackle the event this Saturday, one of the biggest entries assembled for any rally in the country this year. Competitors continue to be drawn to the event by a combination of great roads, good organisation and a friendly atmosphere. 
 
The Catlins Coast Rally has built an enviable reputation since 1999. Originally an annual event it has alternated with the Gore Rally 
since the Eastern Southland Car Club reintroduced that event for it's 50th Anniversary in 2006. Both rallies proved to be so popular the decision was made to run both events on alternate years and this Saturday the action returns to the Catlins for the first time since 2007.
 
The stature of the Catlins Rally is demonstrated by the fact it has been voted the best in the Mainland Rally Series twice in it's short history, most recently in 2007, the last time it was held. The event also brings huge economic benefit to the region. 
 
There are several changes to this year's rally route. However, with new initiatives such as the Super Special Stage in the heart of Balclutha, they will only enhance the event.  
 
One of New Zealand's best, Andrew Hawkeswood, will be the first competitor across the startline at Owaka Motors in Campbell Street, Owaka at 9am on Saturday. Ahead lies eight Special Stages consisting of over 157 kilometres of high speed competition.
 
The first Special Stage at Puketiro over 26.06 kilometres starts at 9.15am and features several tight, twisty sections. A 14.39 kilometre combination of new roads at MacLennan constitutes the second stage while Special Stage 3 at Cannibal Bay is the only stage unchanged from previous year's. Next up the cars travel to the Tawanui/Catlins Valley area for Stage 4 over 27.77 kilometres - half of it forestry roads, the other half public roads.
 
New territory at Burnt Flat follows before the fast, flowing Puerua Valley stage, the longest of the rally, run in the opposite direction this year. A new stage, Waitepeka, follows before a spectacular new innovation - the Riverside Reserve Super Special Stage in Balclutha. This stage starts at 3.39pm and will provide fantastic viewing for spectators.
 
The first car is expected to cross the finish line in Glasgow Street, Balclutha just after 3.40pm.
 
As well as the Super Special Stage there is great spectator viewing to be found at many different points of the rally as marked on the 
rally map.
 
This year's event is Round 3 of the Mainland Rally Championship and the third and final round of the Laird Motorsport Southern Rally Series. Marcus Van Klink of Christchurch, the sixteenth seed in his Mitsubishi EVO 8, leads the Mainland Series point standings from Paul Dickson of Timaru and 2007 Catlins Rally winner, Kieran Hall who will not compete this weekend.
 
The Laird Motorsport Southern Rally Series will go right to the wire with fifth and sixth seeds Dean Bond of Balclutha and the defending champion Paul Cross of Gore, separated by just four points.     
 
Support for the 2009 Catlins Coast Rally comes from the Rosebank Lodge in Balclutha, MWH, Southroads, Allied Petroleum Owaka Motors and Century Batteries, who provide the support to allow the event to gain television coverage.