Category: News

Background

The Hyundai Rally Series was formed primarily to provide a low cost entry pathway for new rally competitors using Hyundai Excels. Due to dwindling numbers of participants, the Series was expanded in 2024 to include some Kia equivalents. The continuing small number of participants has rendered the category no longer viable as a competitive Series.

The NSW Rally Panel wishes to continue promoting participation in low-cost vehicles, particularly to encourage new competitors to the sport. Competitors in Hyundais and Kias that would have been eligible for the former Hyundai-Kia Rally Series (HKRS) will remain eligible for the Pocket Rocket Class of the Clubman Rally Series (CRS).

Vehicle Eligibility

The Pocket Rocket Class of the CRS is open to any 2WD vehicle with an engine capacity of 0-1600cc that has been prepared to comply with one of the following eligible vehicle groups:

1. PRC – Production Rally Cars,

2. Group N (FIA) and Group N (P) (Motorsport Aus)

3. S2000 – FIA Super 2000

4. G2 – Group G2 Rally Cars

5. HRC – Historic Rally Cars

6. CRC – Classic Rally Cars

7. Group 3 Club Rally Cars

Driver Eligibility

As part of the CRS, competitors in the Pocket Rocket Class are eligible to score points if the driver’s seeding is below the level specified in the Competition Conditions. For 2025, the seeding level is 89.

Conclusion

The Pocket Rocket class of the Clubman Rally Series remains one of the most economical ways to compete, provides close competition between similarly powered vehicles and encourages potential competitors to bring a wide range of vehicles into the sport.

Entries are open for the next round of the 2024 Rally NSW Series – the Narooma Forest Rally. The event is on the 24th August and has both a Pacenoted event and a Roadbook only section all rolled into one fantastic event:

1. The Damesa Industries Stages is a round of the NSW State Rally Championship and the East Coast Classic Rally Series (2WD and 4WD). The Damesa Industries Stages Rally is a Pacenote event. (Please Note: Competitors may choose to compete using a Roadbook).
2. The Horizon Apartments Narooma Forest Rally is a round of the NSW Clubman Rally Series; the NSW Hyundai/Kia Rally Series and the Techworkz Automotive ACT Regional Rally Series. The Horizon Apartments Narooma Forest Rally is a blind rally and will be conducted using a Roadbook only.

To find out more about the event visit: https://www.naroomaforestrally.com.au/

To Enter the event, visit the Motorsport Australia Portal: https://portal.motorsport.org.au/

It is with great disappointment that North Shore Sporting Car Club announce the cancellation of the 2024 Lazer Rally of the Bay. Unfortunately, recent landslides and severe weather events have rendered two of the major stages unavailable, making it impossible to proceed with the event as planned. Read more here: https://nsscc.com.au/2024/07/2024-lazer-rally-of-the-bay-cancelled-due-to-unforeseen-circumstances/

Entries are open for the 2024 Lazer Rally of the Bay. The event is on the 27th July 2024 and is a part of all the NSW Rally Series.

To enter and download the Supp Regs for the event, visit the event webpage: https://nsscc.com.au/rally-of-the-bay/

Rally Car Club, in conjunction with Rally NSW and Motorsport Australia, are holding a RallySafe Training Day in Bathurst on the 13th July 2024. This training session will include both classroom and practical training, facilitated by Rallysafe professionals. The training is open to anyone interested in learning the RallySafe system – it is FREE for all Competitors, Officials and Volunteers – EVERYONE IS WELCOME! To secure your spot, please email Ron Moore at rallyron2@gmail.com or call 0438 610 611.

ENTER NOW via the Motorsport Australia Portal https://portal.motorsport.org.au/octozy/login

Coffs Harbour, NSW – The rallying community eagerly anticipates the return of the Coffs Coast Rally, set to take place on the 25th of May 2024. This iconic event, which holds cherished memories for many rally enthusiasts, is making a comeback after several years, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Coffs Harbour & District Sporting Car Club.

The Coffs Coast Rally, a former WRC round that has left lasting impressions on competitors and spectators alike, will resume its place in the rally calendar starting this year. The organizing team has been hard at work to ensure a successful revival of this beloved event, aiming to establish it as an annual highlight for years to come.

Originally scheduled for the 20th of April, the event has been rescheduled to the 25th of May. This change was necessary due to a concurrent bicycle event that would have utilised some of the rally roads, as well as to allow ample time for comprehensive event organisation.

While initially planned as a round of the Clubman Rally Series and Hyundai-Kia Rally Series, the new date places it just two weeks before the Bega Valley Rally. To avoid potential scheduling conflicts and ensure the smooth flow of competition, the Coffs Coast Rally will not be part of these series in 2024.

Despite this adjustment, the Coffs Coast Rally is expected to draw a strong field of competitors, particularly from the north coast and Queensland regions. Its inclusion as a round of the Queensland Rally Championship further adds to its allure and competitive spirit.

For those not competing, the rally organisers extend an invitation to join as volunteers. Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to be part of this thrilling event while contributing to its smooth operation and success.

The NSW Rally Panel extends its best wishes to the diligent organising team for a successful event and looks forward to continued collaboration in 2024 and beyond.

For more information and updates on the Coffs Coast Rally, please visit www.rallynsw.com.au

For all inquiries, please contact: Sam Hill 0434 656 440

About Coffs Coast Rally: The Coffs Coast Rally is a historic rallying event held in Coffs Harbour, NSW, known for its challenging routes and enthusiastic rally community. After a hiatus, the event returns in 2024 under the management of the Coffs Harbour & District Sporting Car Club, promising an exciting competition and a renewed spirit of rally excellence.

Narooma, NSW – The highly anticipated Narooma Forest Rally, initially scheduled for the 31st of August 2024, will now take place a week earlier on the 24th of August 2024. This change comes in response to a request from Eurobodalla Shire, citing the local football grand final to be held on the originally planned weekend at the rally’s service park.

Eurobodalla Shire noted that the rescheduling was necessary due to the overlap with the football grand final, which would have posed logistical challenges for both events. Additionally, the demand for accommodation during the grand final weekend would have made it difficult for rally participants and spectators to secure suitable lodging.

Despite the date change, the Narooma Forest Rally remains a pivotal event in the NSW rally scene and will continue to showcase top-tier competition. In 2024, it will serve as a round of several prestigious rally series:

• NSW Rally Championship
• NSW Clubman Rally Series
• NSW Hyundai-Kia Rally Series
• East Coast Classic Rally Series 2WD
• East Coast Classic Rally Series 4WD

“Narooma is one of the most popular events on the NSW Rally Calendar for good reason,” said Rob O’Toole, Chairman of the NSW Rally Panel. “We appreciate the understanding of all stakeholders regarding this date change and look forward to an exciting and successful rally.”

For those not competing, the rally organisers extend an invitation to join as volunteers. Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to be part of this thrilling event while contributing to its smooth operation and success.

Stay updated on the Narooma Forest Rally by visiting https://www.naroomaforestrally.com.au/

For all inquiries, please contact:  Adrian Dudok 0417 251 011

About Narooma Forest Rally: The Narooma Forest Rally is an annual motorsport event held in Narooma, NSW, showcasing top-level rallying across various categories.The rally attracts participants and spectators from across the region and beyond, contributing to the vibrant motorsport culture in New South Wales.

The following minor changes (in bold italics) have been made to the NSW Rally Competition Conditions due to a recent update to the “Rally Standing Regulations – Vehicles General” to the list of vehicle categories that are eligible to compete in Australia.

11.2.1 NSW Rally Championship

FIA Group R5, FIA Rally 2, FIA Rally 3, FIA Rally 4 & FIA Rally 5 vehicles are not eligible for points in this NSW Series.

11.2.4 Clubman Rally Series

Group AP4, Group G4 and FIA Group R5, FIA Rally 2, FIA Rally 3, FIA Rally 4 & FIA Rally 5 vehicles are not eligible for points in this NSW Series.