Fifty-one people entered round one of the championship held at Waimumu Grass Autocross on Saturday.
Car club life member Roger Laird said it was good to get so many entries.
The number of entries was up on previous years, he said.
Entries came from areas such as Queenstown, Dunedin, Invercargill and Gore.
"We would probably average around 30 to 35 for these events."
Recent women’s and youth events had encouraged more people to attend, he said.
"It’s great to have some new faces."
Laird drove his Subaru Legacy in the competition and placed eighth.
"It’s rewarding when you get a run right but it doesn’t happen very often."
It was important to stay on the track, which dried out as the day progressed, he said.
The winner was Graeme McRae, of Invercargill
who finished ahead of Invercargill man Craig Jessop by 0.08 seconds.
There are six rounds scheduled for the championship.
Round two will be held south of Invercargill on December 17 and 18.
