Coral Taylor Enters the ARC record books
By Timothy Neal
Date posted: 1 September 2023
After Harry Bates and co-driver Coral Taylor took victory at the recent Gippsland Rally, it secured Taylor the mantle of the most successful rally competitor in ARC history.
Her 36th win sees her eclipse the great Peter “Possum” Bourne who won seven consecutive Australian Rally Championships from 1996-2002, as well as three Asia Pacific titles in 1993-94, and 2000.
Taylors own record – spanning three decades – includes winning the Championship four times with Neal Bates (father of Harry and Lewis Bates) in 1993-1995 and 2008, whilst also taking the 1995 Targa Tasmania victory, and Australian Classic Rally Championship in 2012, ’13, ’14 and ’16.
Taylor celebrates a fourth ARC title with Harry’s father Neal Bates in 2008. Image: Toyota Pressroom
A long and winning servant of the Toyota rally brand, Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer Vin Naidoo said that Taylor is the embodiment of the Toyota rally ethos.
“Coral Taylor is truly a legend of Australian motorsport, and this achievement is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence and the determination to overcome challenges,” Mr Naidoo said.
“We at Toyota Australia are thrilled for Coral and her incredible record and would like to extend a hearty congratulations and thank you for being such a brilliant representative of Toyota Australia – Coral’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come!”
Coral and Harry trying to get back the #1 sticker with two rounds remaining. Image: Dakar Press Team Australia
Bates and Taylor’s win at the Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally in Victoria made them the first team to take out two wins in 2023.
Heading to the penultimate Adelaide Hills Rally on October 13-15, the pair have clawed their Toyota GR Yaris AP4 to within striking distance of last years champions Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin.
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