Each rally features a number of timed sections – known as stages – run on closed roads.
While each rally is different, there are about 15 to 25 stages at official ARC events.
Drivers battle one at a time to complete these stages as quickly as possible, with timing down to 1/10th second. Along the way, a co- driver reads detailed pace notes that explain what is coming up ahead. Competitors drive to and from each stage on public roads, observing normal traffic regulations.
Most rallies follow the same basic itinerary. This starts with two days of ‘reconnaissance’ where driver and co-driver practice the route, at limited speed, to make pace notes. It is followed by ‘shakedown’ – a full speed test of their rally car – with the competition proper running for usually two days, sometimes three, over the weekend.
Because rallies may run over several days, competitors visit a ‘service park’ at pre- determined points to allow technicians to perform mechanical work on each car. Service time is strictly limited, with each stop being either 10, 30 or 45 minutes. At the end of each day’s competition, cars are held in a secure parc fermé.
Away from the service park, only the driver and co-driver can work on their car, using only tools and spare parts carried on board.
The Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) is Australia’s premier rally competition featuring Australia’s best rally drivers and co-drivers competing in state of the art rally cars for high profile teams.
The Australian Rally Champion honour roll reads like a who’s who of rally; Neal Bates, Simon Evans, Possum Bourne, Cody Crocker, Ed Ordynski, and more recently Eli Evans, Molly Taylor, Nathan Quinn and Harry Bates. These drivers are not only Australia’s best, but are also highly regarded on the world rally scene.
Visiting six states and territories, the best rally action in Australia will reach more rally fans than ever before and the thrilling competition and rivalries will continue to grow, supported by Motorsport Australia’s significant investment in the championship.
The national championship is underpinned by a strong club and state rally scene and classes within the national competition, creating an accessible pathway for rally competitors who aspire to participate in the national championship.
The ARC is a feeder of talent to world rallying, with a number of ARC drivers and co-drivers currently flying the flag for Australia in the international rally scene.
Joining a car club is the first step toward getting involved in motor sport. Being a member of a Motorsport Australia affiliated car club is great way to meet like minded enthusiasts as well as getting involved in events either as a volunteer or competitor.
There are over 580 affiliated car clubs that represent the diverse interest of both sporting and enthusiast members.
Club membership is a pre-requisite for all Motorsport Australia competition licences.
With more than 3,000 events per year and nearly 600 affiliated car clubs, Motorsport Australia is proud to facilitate motor sport at all levels ranging from club level motorkhanas through to the Motorsport Australia Rally Championship.
Motorsport is a fun and exhilarating activity, which can be enjoyed by people of all ages and levels of experience.
Getting involved has never been easier, and first-time applicants can register online via the Motorsport Australia Member Portal.
Motorsport Australia Come and Try Days are held on many weekends in your state throughout the year. Come and Try Days are an easy and inexpensive way to get involved in motorsport. You don’t even need a dedicated race car, all you need is your everyday road registered vehicle.