A new logo and some new sporting regulations! For the first time the ARC adopted the “compact” round concept that had been developed for many state championship rounds, with two heats on a single day. The National Capital Rally and Victoria’s Eureka Rush were such events and carried approximately 75% points. WA, Tasmania and SA continued with one heat per day and full points, with Rally Australia being an “Endurance” event as previously. Vehicle eligibility was unchanged, seeing competition between the Toyota Gazoo Racing Yaris AP4s, several G4s, FIA R5 Skodas and plenty of PRC Subarus and Lancers.
It was a perfect season for Harry Bates and John McCarthy taking the heat and round win on all five rounds confirming the championship before Rally Australia. Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin were in a similar AP4 Yaris and were generally second or third except in Canberra where an accident resulted in no points. Molly Taylor and Malcolm Read in the Subaru scored consistently to equal Lewis and Anthony on points. Those positions stood after Rally Australia was cancelled due to bush fires.
The 2WD championship was won by Ethan Pickstock and Lisi Phillips in a BMW 318i while Luke Anear took out the ARC2 title in a Subaru. The Classic Cup was re-introduced and was won by Craig Haysman in a Triumph TR7 V8.
The Manufacturers Championship was reintroduced and not surprisingly was won by Toyota.
To see other years of the ARC, go to the series page
