TWO ROUND AUSTRALIAN RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP CONFIRMED

Two round Australian Rally Championship confirmed

This year’s Australian Rally Championship will be fought across two rounds after Motorsport Australia released a further revision to the title’s schedule.

By HEATH McALPINE

Rally Tasmania has been confirmed while the to be confirmed NSW ARC finale is replaced by the National Capital Rally, which moves from its late- September date to November 27-29.

This also confirms the National Capital Rally becomes a two-day event, rather than the sole-day that was previously scheduled.

Remaining unchanged is the Adelaide Hills Rally, which kicks off the season on October 16-18. This round features a special stage as part of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships round at The Bend Motorsport Park.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations Michael Smith reasoned that the changing climate of the current pandemic situation and the various restrictions in place across the country forced the calendar to be revised.

“We would have loved to have opened our season in September, however given the nature of various border closures and the rise in COVID-19 cases, it would have been highly unlikely the September event would have been possible,” Smith explained.

“We have decided that two events is a realistic target for the Championship this year and while we would have liked more, 2020 is certainly a year like no other that nobody could have predicted.

“There is still more to be announced about these events and their make-up, and all options are on the table, including multiple ‘rounds’ of the Championship to take place at each event.

“Unfortunately for Tasmania, the event had to be cancelled for this year, but it will be back in 2021, with the full support of the Tasmanian Government who have been very understanding of the challenges faced for this year.

“I’d like to also thank all of our event organisers and competitors for their support and flexibility – and of course also thank our sponsors, RSEA Safety and Hoosier for their understanding and ongoing support.”

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