The Central Machine Hire Otago Rally saw the return of Finnish rally star Pasi Hagström over the weekend, marking a major highlight of the rally’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Hagström, a former Subaru World Rally Team test driver and Finnish Rally Champion (1999) was not only reunited with his co-driver Ian McKee but also with Allan Dippie’s Porsche 911 RS.
In fact, the Finn has not competed in a rally since retiring 18 years ago in which the 2008 Otago Rally was his last event.
“It has gone surprisingly good,” said Hadstrom on the opening day of the 2026 event. “I surprise myself as I thought it would be much more difficult. So far it is going good but of course without reading (pace) notes for a long time it is not easy, braking maybe too early, braking points are not where they should be and a little bit of mixing of the gears.”
Dippie’s Porsche 911 RS was the very car that delivered Hagström and McKee victory in 2008.
“It’s rear engined so it is light weight in front. That is why we carry two spares (tyres) as the balance is better. Of course, we have good push up hill with the engine at the back.”
The pairing is a key part of the Otago Classic Rally’s history, as Hagström helped put it on the international map when he became the first European driver to win it in 2004.
Further victories came in 2006 and 2008, and his triumphs in a Ford Escort RS1800 and later in the Porsche 911 are part of event folklore.
Unfortunately, Hagström and McKee dropped out of the 2026 Otago Rally on the second day with mechanical problems.
Comments