The fourth round of the Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship takes place this weekend, with a season-high 37 ARC crews ready to tackle the latest instalment of The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally.
Crews from around the country will contest the event hosted in Heyfield in Victoria’s Gippsland region, alongside the Motorsport Australia Victorian Rally Championship.
On Saturday, crews will begin their campaigns by entering the forests northwest of Heyfield, between Walhalla, Toombon and Glenfalloch.
Rounding out the action on Sunday, crews will then head north of Briagolong and Stockdale to experience the full breadth of challenges the region has to offer.
The event will wrap up with the Galvaniize Insurance Power Stage to be held at the Boisdale Hill Climb track, the 2km stage rounding out the 188 competitive kilometres across the weekend.
Classified as an endurance event, the weekend will consist of two legs over the two days – championship points will be awarded at the end of the event meaning finishing will be key.
Spectators will be treated to a top of the table battle in Gippsland, with reigning champions and 2024 outright leaders Harry Bates and Coral Taylor of Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia headlining the entrant list for this weekend’s event.
A fierce rivalry will resume in Gippsland after Pedders Suspension and Brakes duo Scott Pedder and Glenn Macneall nabbed the outright victory from Bates and Taylor in the last round for the Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland.
Their first ARC round victory in 10 years, Pedder and Macneall will be eager to continue that momentum and close the 11-point deficit to Bates and Taylor heading into the final rounds of 2024.
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A spectator guide is available on rally.com.au, with designated points available across the weekend including plenty of activity at Pedders Rally Central.
“This event promises to be deliver plenty of action for crews, fans and officials alike and we can’t wait to get this one started,” Adrian Coppin, Motorsport Australia Manager Motorsport & Events, said.
“With the championship battle heating up, there will be a lot to play for and so too in the various Cup battles which are all still up for grabs.
“We can’t wait to get the rally started.”
This event also sees the debut of the one-make Subaru WRX ARC Cup. Three crews are entered into the event, with the brand new cars one to watch.
Fans unable to attend the event can catch all the action via the ARC social media channels, the Subaru Results Hub, as well as the daily wrap shows available each night free and on demand via 7+ and YouTube. A highlights show will also be available post event on both 7+ and 7mate.
The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally will kick off in Sale on Friday 8 August with the BSR Automotive Rally Show at 4pm AEST before the on stage action officially begins in Heyfield and Gippsland on 10-11 August.
