Final Countdown

With just one week to go, crews are making their final preparations for the Kennards Hire Rally Australia, the highly anticipated final round on the rally calendar.

In the CAMS Australian Rally Championship (ARC), Tankformers Eli Evans and co-driver Bean Searcy lead the standings, while in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), Sébastien Ogier holds a narrow lead over Thierry Neuville.

Tickets are still available for the event, which includes plenty of spectator friendly viewing locations and the hugely popular Destination NSW Super Special Stage on the Coffs Harbour foreshore.

The best value option for rally fans will be the Ultimate ‘Get Me Everywhere’ pass, allowing access to all stages across the three days for just $99.

The competition among the Australian contingent on the Coffs Coast will be fierce, with Steve Glenney and Andy Sarandis competing in the super fast Skoda Fabia R5, replacing their usual Contel Communications Subaru which was unable to be repaired in time for the season finale. 

Toyota’s Harry Bates and John McCarthy will be hoping to again beat the R5 contingent, with their Toyota Yaris AP4 tasting success at the last round in South Australia. Bates currently sits second in the overall standings, 57 points behind Evans. With a decent haul of points available for the ‘endurance’ event, the Championship fight is far from over.

Subaru do Motorsport’s Molly Taylor and Malcolm Read are also a mathematical chance to claim the title, but will need other results to fall their way.

The on stage action begins on Friday, 16 November. Keep an eye on rally.com.au for all the latest video, news and live results from the event.