Changes were made to the draft to accommodate the Formula 1 GP in Melbourne.
The revised calendar is:
Tasmania 26th - 28th February Rally Tasmania
Western Australia 17th - 18th April– Forest Rally
NSW 15th – 16th May – Coffs Coast Rally
South Australia 26th – 27th June – Rally SA
Queensland 31st July - 1st August (APRC) International Rally QLD
Victoria 13th - 14th November (Cerberus Car Club) Name TBA
ARCom were mindful that competitors had commented on the short time between each round this year and have set a calendar to reflect those views, and taking into account needs of each round and the APRC calendar.
Kumho Tyres have also been officially named as the control tyre supplier for 2010.
Two years of negotiation and consultation were undertaken to introduce a control tyre that would benefit all stakeholders.
Ben Rainsford, Chairman of the ARC said: “We welcome Kumho on board for the ARC next year. They demonstrated that they want to be part of the ARC and partner with us marketing the Championship via their presence at Service Parks and in their own marketing activities.”
Kumho have confirmed a transparent pricing model for their tyres from ARC to club level. Competitors will pay the same price for their tyres regardless of event status.
“In conjunction with Kumho, we are working on a success and talent based reward for those competing and we hope to emphasise those who ‘step up’ from State Championship level. We recognise there are plenty on the edge of competing at national level and this assistance might help. Reducing the cost of tyres for all is great step forward in reducing costs to compete,” John Mills from Kuhmo said.
“A standard 195/65/15 will be capped at $220, which for any rally tyre is great value, and this process is for all competitors at any level.”
Nathan Quinn, who plans to compete in the ARC in 2010 in his Lancer Evo 9, commented: “The control tyre decision is great for me as a privateer as I don’t have the excuse that I don’t have the same tyre as the front runners.
“Rallying is supposed to be a test of driver skill and car reliability, not a test of how big your wallet is - and I think you will see more crews run in the ARC now they now they can compete with the big boys on equal tyre terms.”
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