Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium will host the opening round of the national drifting championship.
In a southern hemisphere first — drifting, rallycross, and motard action will thrill fans under the roof, on December 2.
Former world No2 motocross rider Josh Coppins will headline the support act in the motard field, while Highlands and Hampton Downs Motorsport Park owner Tony Quinn joins the action with the Silver Fern Rally.
Drivers and riders from across the country will compete on the temporary mixed-surface circuit in the annual rally.
The rally brings together classic cars domestically and globally on one stage, the picturesque sweeping gravel roads of the South Island.
Drivers from Wales, Germany, England, Australia, Sweden, and Scotland will converge on the South Island for seven days of rallying.
More than 50 historic rally cars will race from sunrise to sunset for four days, before meeting at Forsyth Barr on the evening of December 2.
The Super Special Stage will take place on the temporary circuit in a bent-sprint race against the clock for one night only.
Ultimate Rally Group managing director Peter Martin says the opportunity to compete at Forsyth Barr Stadium is perfect to expand the profile of rallying in New Zealand.
"It provides some cross-pollination and it’s a great opportunity to get a diverse and wide audience to any motorsport event," he said.
A collection of classic cars, including the likes of the Fiat 131 Abarth, Ford Escort MKII RS1800, and Mercedes 190E Cosworth will all contest this year’s rally.
Adding to the action is the anticipated additional of current specification AP4 and 2000s-era Group N rally cars for a rallycross shootout.
Drivers for the race will be confirmed closer to the event, but already several high-profile drivers are planning to join.
Category manager Brendon White said he was excited to be bringing a diverse and exciting show to the South.
"I’m pumped for the show, the sound, the proximity fans will have to the action," he said.
"The fact it’s in an indoor football stadium, there’s not one element so to speak that’s exciting me the most. I just can’t wait to enjoy such a unique event with everybody watching some of the world’s best drifters, motard riders, rally drivers, BMX and FMX riders."
