Alongside the national rally series and a number of supporting categories, the WARC field of 25 competitors will see locals vying to win what is the biggest event in the state championship.
According to Quit Forest Rally Clerk of Course Ross Tapper, there’s plenty of motivation for local crews, despite the attention that may be focused on the national entrants.
“The top WA crews will not only be out to prove themselves against the best drivers in the country, but will also be battling each other for points in round one of the championship,” Tapper said.
“While the attention will ultimately be on the event winners, there are ‘mini’ competitions going on throughout the field as crews battle for Category and Class points – as well as bragging rights.”
Unlike the national championship the WARC is not limiting vehicles to two-wheel drives as the four-wheel drive Subarus and Mitsubishis are the backbone of state rallying.
With so many competing and the makes affordable to run, Tapper believes there is no need for ‘current model cars’ to dominate a local championship.
Flying the flag for the Subarus is 2012 WARC champion Alex Stone as well as former ARC driver Leigh Hynes and experienced competitor John O’Dowd. They will be up against the likes of experienced competitor John Macara and returning racer Robert Webber in their Mitsubishis.
Interestingly, 2012 two-wheel drive champion Dylan King has made the switch to a four-wheel drive Subaru Impreza WRX this year.
That leaves the two-wheel drive category open for a new winner, with Sean Keating and Geoff Leatt-Hayter the ones to beat, with experienced competitor Razvan Vlad the dark horse.
With the Clubman series, classics, side by sides and motos running at the event, there is plenty to engage spectators and some thrilling battles to be had from April 5 to 7.
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