The 2026 EROAD Australian Rally Championship calendar has been officially announced, featuring exciting changes and new locations for rally enthusiasts.
Overview of the 2026 Season
The upcoming season will see five of the six events remaining unchanged, with several scheduled for new dates. The championship will kick off in Queensland, replacing the Australian Capital Territory and Rally Canberra, with the first rally taking place from April 17-19, organized by the Brisbane Sporting Car Club.
Event Schedule
Perth will retain its position as the host for round two, with the WA Car Club’s Forest Rally scheduled for May 22-24. New South Wales will introduce a new event in Narooma from June 26-28, organized by the Brindabella Sporting Car Club. Rally Tasmania has moved from its usual November date to August 14-16, which may bring cooler temperatures.
The Adelaide Hills Rally in South Australia, managed by Ultimate Motorsport Events, will remain the second-to-last event of the season, set for October 2-4. The season will conclude with the Gippsland Rally in Victoria, which has shifted from mid-August to November 20-22. The inclusion of a New South Wales event means that Canberra will not feature in the 2026 lineup.
Insights from the ARC Event Director
ARC event director Jill Coppin expressed her satisfaction with the new calendar, stating that the adjustments create a balance for both competitors and spectators. “We are pleased to be able to announce the 2026 season calendar, as it allows teams and drivers to have one eye on next year,” said Coppin. She believes that rearranging the order of events adds a unique touch compared to previous years, making it thrilling to begin the season in Queensland and conclude in Victoria.
Coppin highlighted the significance of Rally Queensland, noting that the Gympie community has shown tremendous support for the ARC, especially with events like the popular Friday night Rally Show, Wheels on Mary. “Victoria in November is a beautiful time of year, and we are excited to be able to go to Gippsland for the season finale, which will also host our end-of-season awards night,” she added.
2026 EROAD Australian Rally Championship Calendar
– Round 1: Queensland / Brisbane Sporting Car Club – 17–19 April
– Round 2: Western Australia / WA Car Club – 22–24 May
– Round 3: New South Wales / Brindabella Sporting Car Club – 26–28 June
– Round 4: Tasmania / ARC Promoter Pty Ltd – 14–16 August
– Round 5: South Australia / Ultimate Motorsport Events – 2–4 October
– Round 6: Victoria / Vroom Events – 20–22 November
Tags: Australian Rally Championship