Special stage rallying is making a welcome return to Central Australia, with nine local cars set to tackle the inaugural Red Desert Rally Sprint on Saturday, October 3.
Alice Springs has an active rally club and a strong grassroots scene built around motorkhana and khanacross events. But it has been a long time since locals have had the chance to contest a special stage rally organised in their own backyard.
The Red Desert Rally Sprint aims to change that, with organisers hoping it will be the first step towards a longer, multi-stage or multi-day rally in the region.
For Clerk of Course Jamie Lawson, this weekend is about much more than putting on one event. It is an opportunity to rebuild local participation and give competitors and officials somewhere to develop their skills.
“Alice Springs does have a long history with Rallying, it just hasn’t been done here for a long time,” Lawson said.
“The 2016 and 2018 Classic Outback Trials were terrific to have on our doorstep, but as there wasn’t anything before or after those events, local cars and participation was minimal.”
With 13 logbooked rally cars in Alice Springs, plus a number of older caged cars potentially suitable for rally sprint competition, there is a solid foundation to build on.
“The depth of talent, knowledge, experience and resources out here is equal to anywhere in Australia, we just need to tap in, reinvigorate and harness it all,” Lawson said.
“This event has already unearthed a lot of excitement and interest, even from interstate.”
Six stage runs, with a finish after dark
The event will be held at the Alice Springs Offroad Race Club facility, around 40 kilometres out of town.
Organisers have selected two stages, measuring 11 kilometres and 14 kilometres, with each run three times. The final two runs will take place after dark, adding another challenge and giving the event a proper rally feel.
Participation is central to the club’s approach, with competitors of all ages and experience levels encouraged to get involved. The opening field includes two juniors and four female competitors.
And while this is a grassroots club event, there should be plenty of competition at the pointy end.
The 4WD entries of Jordan Lawson and Scott Anderson are expected to set the early pace. However, Chris McCormack’s classic Celica and Mitchell Lawson’s proven Magna should keep them honest.
Joe Harris and Sarah Kerr will also be in the mix aboard a borrowed Datsun 1600, leaving plenty of contenders for the three outright podium positions.
A cup that puts talent in the spotlight
Alongside the outright battle, the CARS Club Cup will give competitors across the field something to chase.
Decided using a handicap system, the trophy aims to recognise talented, committed drivers whose results might otherwise be overshadowed by more powerful machinery or bigger budgets.
“Quite often a very good driver with loads of talent will be overlooked simply because they do not have the machine and money to put them in the spot light,” Lawson said.
“The CARS Club Cup will be an award everyone at every level and budget can shoot for.”
Nine local cars, six stage runs and a finish under lights. It is a promising start to a new chapter for rallying in the Red Centre, and one worth keeping an eye on.
Follow the Central Australia Rally Sports Club Facebook page for event updates and news on what comes next.
