Gaurav Gill’s Otago Rally outing ends in DNF

Gaurav Gill’s hopes for winning the Otago Rally abruptly halted on Sunday as he suffered suspension damage, ultimately resulting in a DNF. Gaurav was competing in his first Otago Rally, driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 car.

Gill made good headway on the first day winning three out of the eight stages and putting himself on the third spot in the leaderboard. Unfortunately, that couldn’t continue on the second day. Gill maintained his third position in the opening two stages on the second day and was just 45 seconds behind the leader, New Zealand native Jack Hawkeswood. But in Stage 11, Gill hit a pothole which caused suspension damage in his i20 N Rally2 car and despite attempts to repair the damage, he ultimately retired from the rally.

The Otago Rally has been on the rally calendar since its inception in 1976. It offers an immense challenge to the racers with its fast-flowing public roads as well as blind brows and gravel sections. Although this was Gill’s first Otago Rally outing, he has won the Rally of Whangarei thrice, which also takes place in New Zealand.