The picturesque forests of Canberra will once again come to life in March, with the city hosting the Netier National Capital Rally for the second time in just four months.
The event will kick off the highly anticipated six-round RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) season, with crews keen to complete a full season in 2021.
Making up the two-day event will be 14 stages with the highlight being the Power Stage, which will conclude proceedings in the second heat.
The Tidbinbilla Forest will once again be the centre piece of the action, with plans to re-introduce the Kowen Forest into the meeting, in addition to a rally spectator village on Saturday afternoon.
The event will be a welcome return to crews after what was a disrupted 2020, with the standalone Netier National Capital Rally last November providing an opportunity to crews to get at least one national event under their belt in preparation for this season.
Despite the quick turnaround between both rallies, Event Clerk of Course Adrian Dudok believed that running November’s event lifted the spirits for all involved and was confident of another successful event, with a large number of quality competitors expected to take part.
“The Netier National Capital Rally has really grown into something special over the past few years and we feel crews have enjoyed competing on some of the finest rally roads Australia has to offer,” Dudok said.
“It was a fantastic effort to be able to run the rally in 2020 despite the disruptions and everyone involved should be commended for banding together and getting it up.
“In saying that, it has been just as much of a challenge to prepare for the 2021 edition due to the tight turnaround with back-to-back events, but we’re confident it will be another successful event.
“To be able to host the first round is always a fantastic feeling and we’re working hard to make sure the rally sets the scene for what will undoubtedly be an exciting season.
“It’s great have Netier and Abode sticking by us once again, as well as National Capital Toyota who have re-signed for another year.”
The re-signing of major sponsors isn’t the only major boost for the ARC season opener, with spectators also being approved to attend various stages throughout the rally.
Entries for the event will open on Friday 22 January, with interested crews having until Friday 12 March to enter. Alongside the Championship prize, various Cups have been introduced into the ARC to suit a variety of vehicles.
The RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship will commence with the Netier National Capital Rally on 26-28 March, 2021.
Photo: Sportz Fotoz
