Wife beats husband to prize run

Some envy erupted between Carole Evans and husband George this week when Mrs Evans won the Drivesouth Rally Fest rally car ride with former World Rally Champion Miki Biasion.

The Dunedin couple had entered the competition, but it was Mr Evans, a car enthusiast, who was most keen to win the ride.

''He was very jealous. He's always wanted to do it,'' Mrs Evans said.

But the 71-year-old also wanted to do it ''for the challenge'', and she held fast to her prize.

She was one of about a dozen people who reached speeds of up to 200kmh during practice sessions yesterday with rally drivers near Whare Flat, who were preparing for the Otago Rally this weekend.

Mrs Evans got to ride with Biasion (55), who has notched up world rally titles in 1988 and 1989.

Following her ride in the Italian driver's Porsche 911, she was invigorated and a little flushed.

''It was very scary, but exhilarating as well. I probably wouldn't do it again.

''I was a great fan of [the late former world rally champion] Possum Bourne. Now I appreciate even more what rally drivers do.

''It's incredible. This was the ultimate - one to cross off my bucket list.''

For now, Mr Evans said he would just have to suffice with living vicariously through his wife's descriptions of the experience.