Several changes in 2002 enlivened the national title. Most significantly, the PRC regulations under which the Bates and Bourne WRC cars had run for the previous three years were updated to exclude these cars. Now all the top runners would be running Group N cars, arguably making for a “level playing field”. Neal Bates and Coral Taylor found themselves without a suitable Toyota and withdrew from the series, only returning for the final round in Melbourne with a new Corolla Sportivo developed to the Group N Prototype class.
Second, and despite the loss of the NSW round the previous year, the championship gained a sixth round, the new Harbour City Rally based out of Sydney. It would include a spectator friendly super special around the streets of the Sydney CBD. Bonus points were also on offer for the most special stage wins on each round.
Subaru struggled on the opening round with punctures in the hot rocky conditions of the Watagan Ranges with the reigning champion, back with Mark Stacey, failing to finish. The Lancer of Ed Ordynski and Iain Stewart took both heat wins and also took a heat win in South Australia. Bourne and Stacey found form in WA to take a heat win while up and coming Victorians, Simon and Sue Evans had a breakthrough heat win. Rally Queensland saw Bourne and Stacey take both heats plus a heat win in SA. Tasmania saw a breakthrough win for Cody Crocker and Greg Foletta with Bourne taking the other heat win. The final round in Melbourne, with bonus points on offer, saw another win for Evans with Bourne and Stacey securing the championship with a win on the final heat. It had been a closely fought season!
In addition to the rise of Simon Evans, the year also saw the emergence of a promising young driver from Queensland, one Chris Atkinson.
Subaru again won the Manufacturers title which we believe also included Rally of Canberra and possible also Rally Australia.
To see other years of the ARC, go to the series page.
