Victorian Rally Championship

Find out about the long history of the VRC

Series Summary

The Victorian Rally Championship is the state’s premier series of events.

A brief history of major developments and changes to the championship:

  • 1961: The inaugural state rally championship known as the Victorian Trials Championship. Events generally had a high degree of navigation. Points were awarded down to tenth place.
  • 1968: Adopts the 9-6-4-3-2-1 scoring system in line with the new ARC.
  • 1972: Renamed the Victorian Rally Championship.
  • 1974: The first fully route charted special stage event timed to the second.
  • 1975: Half the events fully route charted, but timed to the minute.
  • 1978: Grade 2 (State Recognised) award introduced.
  • 1979: Half the events were special stage events, last year with some map reading.
  • 1980: All special stage events, timed to second but with target times.
  • 1981: Elapsed timing introduced. Clubman award introduced.
  • 1984: Adopts the 20-15-12-10-8-6-4-3-2-1 scoring system.
  • 1986: Production Rally Car category introduced in parallel with Group G.
  • 1987: Dual points awarded for Group G and PRC, bonus points 4-3-2-1.
  • 1988: Clubman Rally Car category introduced. Equal points for Group G, PRC and CRC with bonus points 4-3-2-1. Novice award introduced.
  • 1989: No more Group G! PRC and CRC only. Dual points for PRC and CRC but no bonus points. Capacity class awards introduced.
  • 1990: Group N introduced. Dual points for PRC and CRC but no outright bonus points. Grade 2 and Clubman awards discontinued.
  • 1991: CRC discontinued, only PRC and Group N. No dual points. First championship win by a 4WD car. Navigators re-named co-drivers.
  • 1994: Series registration introduced.
  • 1996: Historic Rally Car category introduced.
  • 1999: 2WD Championship introduced.
  • 2000: Points changed to 20-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.
  • 2002: All points to count.
  • 2003: Clubman award re-introduced. Worst results dropped (again).
  • 2004: Only Heat 1 of two day ARC events to count. Pace notes explicitly prohibited except where explicitly approved.
  • 2005: Two day ARC events count as two separate VRC events.
  • 2006: Classic Rally Cars category introduced but ineligible for VRC points. Clubman and Novice awards may be based on a sub-set of events.
  • 2007: Excel series introduced.
  • 2009: Adopts the 30-25-21-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 points system.
  • 2010:  Dual heat events introduced and scored separately. Points ties resolved by referenced to stage wins.
  • 2012:  S1600 and S2000 ineligible for VRC.
  • 2013: ARC Group G2 and later R5  ineligible for VRC.
  • 2015: Club Rally Cars and S2000 now eligible for VRC.
  • 2020: VRC not awarded due to insufficient events as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.
  • 2021: AP4 and G4 vehicles now eligible for the VRC.
  • 2022: 2WD under 2 litre championship introduced.

Victorian Rally Champions

Click on the year to see more details about each edition.

YearDriverNavigator/Co-driverVehicle
2024Adrian StratfordAnthony StaltariFord Fiesta
2023Justin DowelTracey DewhurstMitsubishi Mirage
2022Adrian StratfordKain ManningSubaru Impreza WRX
2021Darren WindusJoe BrickSubaru Impreza WRX
2020Not awarded (covid)
2019Arron WindusDaniel BrkicSubaru Impreza WRX
2018Ben HayesCathy HayesSubaru Impreza WRX STi
2017Glen RaymondKate CatfordSubaru Impreza WRX STi
2016Darren WindusJoe BrickMitsubishi Lancer Evo X
2015*Darren Windus*David LethleanMitsubishi Lancer Evo X
2014Justin DowellScott SpeddingMitsubishi Lancer Evo X
2013Tristan PenhallJolie MiddletonSubaru Impreza WRX STi
2012Stephen RaymondGlen RaymondToyota Corolla
2011Warren LeeDavid LethleanMitsubishi Lancer Evo 9
2010Nathan ReevesScott SpeddingSubaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C
2009Mark FawcettCarrie MorrisSubaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C
2008Mark FawcettSimon EllisSubaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C
2007Justin DowelMatt LeeMitsubishi Lancer Evol 6.5
2006Justin DowelMatt LeeMitsubishi Lancer Evol 6.5
2005Justin DowelMatt LeeMitsubishi Lancer Evol 6.5
2004Peter MontgomeryChris MontgomerySubaru Impreza WRX
2003Mike ReevesRobin SmalleyMitsubishi Lancer Evol 3
2002Brett ThomsonRob VanderreeMitsubishi Galant VR4
2001David StannusPeter CampbellNissan Pulsar GtiR
2000Scott PedderPaul HummMitsubishi Lancer Evol 3
1999Scott PedderPaul HummMitsubishi Lancer Evol 1
1998Craig MorrisJennifer ColeMitsubishi Galant VR4
1997Mike ReevesRobin SmalleyMitsubishi VR4 & Lancer Evol 3 4WD T
1996Graeme WiseRob BeekmanMitsubishi Lancer RS-E 4WD T.
1995*Graeme Wise*Greg FolettaMitsubishi Lancer RS-E 4WD T.
1994Graeme WiseHelen WylieFord Sierra XR4 V6 4WD N/T.
1993Graeme WiseHelen WylieFord Sierra XR4 V6 4WD N/T.
1992Peter FyfeGerry BashfordNissan Pulsar GTi-R 4WD T.
1991Peter FyfeGerry BashfordNissan Pulsar GTi-R 4WD T.
1990David GreigPaul TirantDatsun 260Z 2.8L
1989Greg HoinvilleMichael CainsFord Escort Mk.2 2.0L
1988David GreigPaul TirantDatsun P510 2.5L
1987Geoff PortmanPeter GaleDatsun 1600 2.3L
1986Geoff PortmanPeter GaleDatsun 1600 2.1L
1985Brian SmithJohn BirrellMitsubishi Sigma 2.6L
1984*Peter A. Thompson*Anthony SatoriDatsun P510 2.1L
1983David OfficerKate Hobson / OfficerMitsubishi Galant 2.4L
1982Chris BrownNoel RichardsDatsun 180B SSS 2.0L
1981Geoff PortmanRoss RunnallsDatsun Stanza 2.1L
1980Chris BrownSimon BrownDatsun 180B SSS 2.0L
1979Warwick SmithPaul PatersonMitsubishi Lancer 1.6L
1978Warwick SmithPaul PatersonMitsubishi Lancer 1.6L
1977Gil DavisDavid LongDatsun 1600 2.1L
1976Bob WaterhousePaul PatersonDatsun 1600 1.8L
1975David BondIan RichardsMitsubishi Lancer 1.4L
1974Garry HarrowfieldGeoff BoydFord Cortina
1973Bob WatsonJeff BeaumontRenault R12 & HQ Kingswood V8
1972Gil DavisPeter Haas
Roger Bonhomme*
Holden Torana XU-1
1971Mal McPhersonPeter HaasRenault R8 Gordini
1970Bob WatsonJim McAuliffeRenault R8 Gordini 1.3
1969Bob WatsonJim McAuliffeRenault R16 TS
1968Bob WatsonJim McAuliffeHolden HK V8 307ci
1967*Reg Lunn*Roger VaughanHolden HR X2
1966Tony RobertsPeter HaasHolden HD X2
1965Harry FirthGraham HoinvilleFord Lotus? Cortina GT ?
1964Frank KilfoyleRoger AbrahamFord Falcon XP
1963Harry Firth
Frank Kilfoyle
Graham Hoinville
Mike Flanagan
Ford Anglia / Cortina
Ford Falcon XM
1962Geoff RussellRichard CollingwoodFord Falcon XL
1961*Geoff Russell*Martin HartiganVW 1200

* indicates driver and co-driver/navigator were not from the same crew

Victorian 2WD Rally Champions

Since 1999 there has been a separate award for the Victorian 2WD Rally Champion based on the same series of events.

YearDriverNavigator/Co-DriverVehicle
2024Nick SeymourPeter Ellis*Ford Fiesta R2
2023Brenden ReevesMark Leoncini*Datsun 1600
2022Luke SytemaTracey DewhurstFord Escort Mk II
2021Adrian StratfordKain ManningFord Fiesta G2 ST
2020Not awarded (covid)
2019Justin WalkerAdam Wright*Ford Escort Mk II
2018Grant WalkerSteph RichardsFord Escort Mk II
2017Grant WalkerSteph RichardsFord Escort Mk II
2016Mike ConwayJenny ColeFord Escort Mk II
2015Brian SemmensDan ParryNissan 200ZX
2014Justin WalkerBianca LoweFord Escort Mk II
2013Brian SemmensDan ParryNissan 200ZX
2012Brian SemmensDan ParryNissan 200ZX
2011Rowan WoollardDan Parry*Datsun 1600
2010Alan FriendRobin SmalleyNissan Silvia RS
2009Brian SemmensDavid LeonciniNissan 200SX
2008Andrew TaylorRobin SmalleyMazda RX7
2007Brian SemmensDavid LeonciniNissan 200SX
2006Brian SemmensDavid LeonciniNissan 200SX
2005Brian SemmensDavid LeonciniNissan 200SX
2004Ben Fawcett
Leigh Garrioch
Tony Boyd
Ken Garrioch
Nissan Pulsar
Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg RS
2003Andrew VibertDavid GallacherToyota Corolla Levin
2002Brian SemmensDavid LeonciniNissan 200SX RVS12
2001Russell HockingSue McCreadyFord Falcon XR6
2000Darren CrozierRoss Green*Isuzu Gemini PF60
1999Mark MillerDavid Leoncini*Ford Escort Mk II

* indicates driver and co-driver/navigator were not from the same crew

VRC Grade 2 / State Recognised Awards

From 1978 to 1989 an award within the VRC has been made to the top Grade 2 or State Recognised crew in the series.

YearDriverNavigatorVehicle
1989Pat BarberJim MaudeFord Laser TX3 4WD
1988Eric PietilaMike RebbechiMazda 323 4WD
1987David Greig*Doug Gould*Datsun 1600
1986Andrew MartinPhillip MartinMitsubishi Galant
1985Terry HarrisBryan OliverFord Escort RE
1984Les AdamsTony SatoriDatsun 1600
1983David AdamsChris RandellDatsun 1600
1982Graeme WiseJohn WilliamsDatsun 1600
1981David OfficerKate HobsonMitsubishi Galant
1980Chris WallLloyd MinifieDatsun 1600
1979Mick Ellis*Jan Fitcher *Datsun 1600
1978Ian RichardsNoel RichardsDatsun 1600

* indicates driver and co-driver/navigator were not from the same crew1978 

VRC Clubman Awards

Since 1981 an award within the VRC has been made to the top Clubman crew in the series.

YearDriverNavigator/Co-driverVehicle
2024Ross StapletonPeter EllisNissan 200SX
2023Nick SeymourGordon GrantFord Fiesta
2022Kevin Millard*Gordon Grant*Datsun 1600
2021Danny Traverso*Samantha Brendel*Subaru Impreza RS
2020Not awarded (covid)
2019Ross Stapleton*Ognjen Javanovic*Nissan 200SX
2018Josh Bohm*Darren Davison*Hyundai Excel
2017Brian NewtonRyan PriceHonda Civic EG6
2016Luca GiacominBrett WilliamsHyundai Excel
2015Stephen EcclesCarrie KereruHyundai Excel
2014Ashlea JamesBrett WilliamsToyota Corolla
2013Andrew KavenaghTom RuessmanNissan 200SX
2012Viv Dilkes-Frayne*Simon Barton-Ancliffe*Hyundai Excel
2011Rowan WoolardRay ParryDatsun 1600
2010Stephen Mackenzie*Nikki Moore*Hyundai Excel
2009Brenden BownSamantha RobisonDatsun 180B SSS
2008Ross AllanScott AllanHyundai Excel
2007Tim StutchburyNathan PaparellaHolden Commodore
2006Brenden Reeves
Richard McNay
Robin Smalley
Martin Watkins
Subaru Impreza RS
Holden Commodore Ute
2005Keith LewisKylie TurnerSuzuki Baleno GTX
2004Keith LewisKristaps Herman
Jason Hague*
Suzuki Baleno GTX
2003Matthew DouglasAdam DouglasToyota Sprinter
1990-2002Discontinued
1989Neil CuthbertDaryl AdamsDatsun 1600
1988Greg HoinvilleMichael CainsFord Escort Mk II
1987Michael ReevesDavid ProctorDatsun 1600
1986Brenden McCashneyGrant WaddingtonDatsun Stanza
1985Andrew MartinPhillip MartinGalant
1984Peter ThompsonDavid JamesDatsun 1600
1983Chris NeilsenDavid RidleyEscort
1982Brian SmithPeter MignotGalant
1981Graeme WiseMark BrookeDatsun 1600

* indicates driver and co-driver/navigator were not from the same crew

VRC Novice Awards

Since 1988 an award within the VRC has been made to the top Novice crew in the series.

YearDriverNavigator/Co-DriverCar
2024Lucas ReidIsaac Draper*Hyundai Excel
2023Troy DawsonAmanda MillsHyundai Excel
2022Lucas Draper*Stephen Dunbar*Hyundai Excel
2021Lance RipponPaul LoughnanToyota Levin
2020Not awarded (covid)
2019Lochlan ReedWill MurphyHyundai Excel
2018Josh BohmAnthon StaltariHyundai Excel
2017Brendan HoodRichard HoodHyundai Excel
2016Joel PerkinsTom BrennanHyundai Excel
2015Anthony AlexanderSusan WassonHyundai Excel
2014Rose NorthThuong HoanFord Fiesta
2013Andrew MurdochSimon PilepichHyundai Excel
2012Robert KingCeijae KingSubaru Impreza LX
2011Scott WrightTom wrightNissan Skyline R31
2010Danny HudswellRikki-Lee HudswellHyundai Excel
2009Brett MackiesonJulian OngDaihatsu Charade
2008Tony MooreNikki MooreHyundai Excel
2007Tim StutchburyNathan PaparellaHolden Commodore
2006Brad ClarkeSimon IsleyDatsun 1600
2005Travis McInnesPatrina LucasHolden Gemini
2004Brett RossJason HagueHolden Commodore
2003Matthew DOuglasAdam DouglasToyota Sprinter
2002Geoff SeltonTim HillFord Escort Mk2
2001K. Ristell
D.Corben
J. Ristell?
2000Barry RoweNatasha RoweMGB GT
1999David SchneidersMichael StiglichHolden Commodore
1998Steve PooleMatthew BirchallSubaru Legacy RS-R
1997Martin GriggChris TaitMitsubishi Lancer RSe3
1996Paul Mahoney*Pat Mollison*Ford Escort
1995Michael CameronPeter HowgateHolden Commodore/ Subaru Legacy RS
1994Mark Fawcett
Cody Crocker

Greg Foletta
Volvo 240T
Mazda RX5
1993David DraperDanny MurphySuzuki Swift GTi
1992Greg PlumridgeRoger VirgoToyota Corolla GT
1991Chris LoweJames PollockDatsun 1600
1990Rob ThomasDanny O’ReillyDatsun 1600
1989Brenden EdgertonGraeme HoldingMitsubishi Lancer
1988Simon DuerdenMichael CarrollDatsun 1600

* indicates driver and co-driver/navigator were not from the same crew