ABOUT THE ARC

Australia’s premier rally championship since 1968

The Australian Rally Championship (ARC) is more than just a rally championship; it’s a national sporting asset and one of the world’s longest-running, with more than 45 years of continuous competition across 6 rounds. It’s a driving force in regional economies, and a high-engagement, family-friendly platform for competitors, enthusiasts and partners alike.

Honour Roll

The EROAD Australian Rally Champion honour roll reads like a who’s who of rallying: Neal Bates, Simon Evans, Possum Bourne, Cody Crocker, Ed Ordynski, and, more recently Harry Bates, Lewis Bates, Molly Taylor, and Scott Pedder. These drivers are not only Australia’s best, but are also highly regarded on the world rally scene.

The best rally action in Australia will reach more rally fans in 2026 than ever before, and the thrilling competition and rivalries will continue to grow, supported by the Australian Rally Championship Promoter. The national championship is underpinned by a strong club and state rally scene and by classes within the national competition, creating an accessible pathway for rally competitors who aspire to participate.

The Manufacturers Championship

The Australian Rally Manufacturers’ Championship will be held over each round of the ARC. Points will be allocated for positions at each round, with the winner to be determined by the highest points scored at the end of the season.

Australian Rally Championship Cups

  1. Australian Rally Championship
  2. ARC 2WD Cup
  3. ARC WOLF SPORTS CUP
  4. ARC Classic Cup
  5. ARC Junior Cup
  6. ARC Subaru WRX Challenge
  7. ARC East Coast Cup

International Connection

The EROAD Australian Rally Championship is a feeder to world rallying, with a number of ARC drivers and co-drivers currently flying the flag for Australia on the international rally scene. Notably, the cars used by the top teams are also used in the World Rally Championship, and this gives teams the chance to compare themselves to the world’s best in Rally2 competition

Past Winners

Year Driver Co-driver Vehicle
1968 Harry Firth Graham Hoinville Ford Cortina Lotus [9]
1969 Frank Kilfoyle Doug Rutherford Ford Cortina Lotus
1970 Robert Watson Jim McAuliffe Renault R8 Gordini
1971 Colin Bond George Shepheard Holden Torana LC GTR XU-1
1972 Colin Bond George Shepheard Holden Torana LJ GTR XU-1
1973 Peter Lang Warwick Smith Holden Torana LJ GTR XU-1
1974 Colin Bond George Shepheard Holden Torana LJ GTR XU-1
1975 Ross Dunkerton John Large Datsun 240Z
1976 Ross Dunkerton Jeff Beaumont Datsun 260Z
1977 George Fury Monty Suffern Datsun 710
1978 Greg Carr John Dawson-Damer* Ford Escort RS
1979 Ross Dunkerton Jeff Beaumont Datsun Stanza
1980 George Fury Monty Suffern Datsun Stanza
1981 Geoff Portman Ross Runnalls Datsun Stanza
1982 Geoff Portman Ross Runnalls Datsun 1600
1983 Ross Dunkerton Geoff Jones Datsun 1600
1984 David Officer Kate Officer Mitsubishi Galant GB
1985 Barry Lowe Kevin Pedder Subaru RX Turbo
1986 Barry Lowe Kate Officer ** Subaru RX Turbo
1987 Greg Carr Fred Gocentas Alfa Romeo GTV6
1988 Murray Coote Iain Stewart Mazda 323 4WD
1989 Greg Carr Mick Harker Lancia Delta Integrale
1990 Ed Ordynski Mark Nelson Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
1991 Robert Herridge Steve Vanderbyl Subaru Liberty RS
1992 Robert Herridge Mark Nelson Subaru Liberty RS
1993 Neal Bates Coral Taylor Toyota Celica GT-Four
1994 Neal Bates Coral Taylor Toyota Celica GT-Four
1995 Neal Bates Coral Taylor Toyota Celica GT-Four
1996 Possum Bourne Craig Vincent Subaru Impreza 555
1997 Possum Bourne Craig Vincent Subaru Impreza 555
1998 Possum Bourne Craig Vincent Subaru Impreza 555
1999 Possum Bourne Craig Vincent Subaru Impreza WRC98
2000 Possum Bourne Mark Stacey Subaru Impreza WRC98
2001 Possum Bourne Craig Vincent Subaru Impreza WRC
2002 Possum Bourne Mark Stacey Subaru Impreza WRX STi
2003 Cody Crocker Greg Foletta Subaru Impreza WRX STi
2004 Cody Crocker Greg Foletta Subaru Impreza WRX STi
2005 Cody Crocker Dale Moscatt Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec-C
2006 Simon Evans Sue Evans Toyota Corolla Sportivo (NP)
2007 Simon Evans Sue Evans Toyota Corolla Sportivo (NP)
2008 Neal Bates Coral Taylor Toyota Corolla S2000
2009 Simon Evans Sue Evans Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
2010 Simon Evans Sue Evans Subaru Impreza WRX STi
2011 Justin Dowel Matt Lee Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
2012 2WD: Eli Evans Glen Weston Honda Jazz
4WD: Michael Boaden Helen Cheers Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
2013 Eli Evans Glen Weston Honda Jazz
2014 Scott Pedder Dale Moscatt Renault Clio
2015 Eli Evans Glen Weston Citroen DS3
2016 Molly Taylor Bill Hayes Subaru Impreza WRX STi
2017 Nathan Quinn Bill Hayes *** Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
2018 Eli Evans Ben Searcy Skoda Fabia R5
2019 Harry Bates John McCarthy Toyota Yaris AP4
2020 Not Awarded (COVID-19)
2021 Not Awarded (COVID-19)
2022 Lewis Bates Anthony McLoughlin Toyota GR Yaris AP4
2023 Harry Bates Coral Taylor Toyota GR Yaris AP4
2024 Harry Bates Coral Taylor Toyota GR Yaris Rally2
2025 Hayden Paddon John Kennard Hyundai i20 N Rally2

Get Involved

Join us as we celebrate human resilience, cutting-edge performance, and the vibrant communities that make Rallying truly special.

The ARC is deeply embedded in regional Australia, bringing thrilling events directly to local communities. We are proud to be a significant regional economic and community driver, fostering local business engagement, tourism, and community participation.

Our commitment extends beyond the special stages:

Our Mission

To deliver world-class rally events that inspire the next generation of Australian motorsport talent, entertain passionate fans, and showcase our incredible country to the world.

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our valued sponsors who make the championship possible.