Changes to Australian Rally Championship

The Australian Rally Championship will enter a new phase in 2026 after some regulation changes were made for the new season.

Part of the new changes include Power Stages at all Sprint events, a new East Coast Cup and WOLF Cup, plus more.

Next year, more bonus points will be on offer with a Power Stage at the conclusion of each Heat.

The Production Cup will now become the WOLF Cup as it opens to new specification cars, including the G4-spec rally car, and WRX Challenge Cars, in addition to the Mitsubishi EVO and Subaru WRX.

The top three of the WOLF Cup will share a prize pool of $10,000.

The 2WD Cup will open up to all cars instead of just being 30 years or older as was the case this year.

There will also be increased eligibility in the Junior Cup where PRC and WRX Challenge cars are now in the mix.

A new centralised Classic Cup will also be on show, being made up of all Classic 4WD and 2WD entries.

In addition to the ARC, there will be an extra prize on the line in the form of the East Coast Cup.

The three-round series will be decided across the three events on the eastern seaboard from Queensland to Narooma and Gippsland.

“We are extremely proud to introduce the new set of regulations for the 2026 EROAD Australian Rally Championship and beyond,” ARC Championship Director Adrian Coppin said.

“We have the aim to make the championship as accessible and open to as many rally crews around the country, so opening up the eligibility will go a long way to appealing to crews of all levels around the country.

“The ARC is committed to growing the sport as best as we can and in creating these new regulations, which saw us seek feedback from all types of our regular competitors.

“With that said, I truly believe these regulations will have a hugely positive impact on the sport and its future and I am excited to get into the 2026 season and continue the new era of the EROAD Australian Rally Championship.”

Image: Peter Norton

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