Australia - 14-17 Nov 19 - CANCELLED

Rally Cancelled

Posted: November 12, 2019 2:51 AM

Kennards Hire Rally Australia, including the final round of the 2019 FIA World Rally Championship, will not go ahead this week as a result of serious bushfires that continue to affect much of northern NSW.

Organisers announced the cancellation today after extensive consultation with the NSW Government, the international motor sports governing body FIA, emergency services and the local community.

The State is experiencing its worst ever bushfire conditions, which have resulted in the declaration of a State of Emergency, a statewide total fire ban and conditions in some regions classified as “catastrophic”.

Event Chairman Andrew Papadopoulos said the cancellation was the only course available, considering the safety of the more than 1000 people involved as officials, competitors and in support roles.

“Considering the best interests and safety of everyone involved in the rally, and of course the wider community, it is not appropriate to conduct the rally,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with the NSW community, especially the people who have lost loved ones, livelihoods and homes as a result of the fires in northern NSW, and we thank the Rally community for your support and understanding.”

Rally Australia preparing for new World Rally event schedule

Posted: November 11, 2019 7:40 AM

Organisers of Kennards Hire Rally Australia are working toward a revised schedule for this week’s FIA World Rally Championship final round, after serious bushfires have impacted much of northern NSW.

Rally Australia hopes to stage the event from Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon over a reduced route of around 90 kilometres comprising multiple runs over four different stages.

The proposed route remains subject to approval by the international motorsports governing body FIA and the New South Wales Government. Rally Australia and WRC teams are preparing for the revised format.

If conditions allow, the revised event would start with a lengthened version of the existing Destination NSW Super Special Stage on Thursday evening on the Coffs Harbour Jetty foreshore, and end there on Sunday afternoon with the globally-televised Wolf Power Stage and podium presentation.

Other stages being assessed for inclusion are Raleigh, a spectator-friendly tarmac circuit, and a gravel section of Graces Road in the Nambucca Shire. If the event proceeds, spectator facilities will be provided at the Super Special Stage and Raleigh only.

Further details of the event itinerary will be confirmed in due course, and in consultation with NSW emergency services, authorities and the local community.

Event Chief Executive Officer Darryl Ferris said the proposed revisions would preserve key attractions of the original program for fans, such as the free Rally Show and Ceremonial Start on Thursday afternoon, Friday and Saturday’s Super Special Stages, Saturday night’s Dragon concert, and the free Pedders Rally Central competitors’ service park. Organisers are also working to deliver 3.5 hours of live television coverage across Saturday and Sunday.

“With the support of the emergency services and other authorities, our sporting officials have done a remarkable job to quickly put together a plan that we hope will still deliver a valuable international sports event to the Coffs Coast region if conditions allow,” Ferris said.

“We continue to stay in close and constant contact with the Rural Fire Service and authorities about the changing nature of the NSW bushfire emergency and we are ready to react if necessary.”

Rally Australia hopes WRC event will go ahead

Posted: November 10, 2019 5:11 AM

Organisers of Kennards Hire Rally Australia still hope to go ahead with the closing round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) this week.

The rally is consulting with emergency services, authorities and the local community about the evolving fire situation in the region, but hopes to stage the WRC season finale on a significantly shortened course.

The rally is scheduled to run on 14-17 November.

“Rally Australia’s thoughts are with the NSW community, especially the people who have lost loved ones, livelihoods and homes as a result of the fires in northern NSW,” a spokesman said.

“Public safety is our uppermost consideration in planning for Rally Australia next week.

“We will provide further information about any revised plans as it becomes available.”

The event last night advised entrants in the national competitions – the CAMS Australian Rally Championship final round, the Rally Australia Cup and the Rally Australia Two-day event – that their events would not proceed.

At this stage entrants have been invited to participate in “demonstration” runs on the Super Special Stage and Raleigh Special Stage.

Those who withdraw have been encouraged to donate their entry-fee refund to the Rural Fire Service.

Kennards Hire Rally Australia is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

www.rte.ie/news/world/2019/1110/1089818-warning-in-australia-as-fires-expected-to-worsen/

Breen / Nagle get Hyundai call up

Posted: November 1, 2019 5:14 AM

PADDON RETURNS - R5 for GB, WRC for Australia

Posted: September 6, 2019 1:15 PM

Hayden Paddon and John Kennard are set to contest two FIA World Rally Championship events before the end of the year – piloting the all-new Ford Fiesta R5 MkII at Wales Rally GB and returning to the wheel of the EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRC at Rally Australia.

As one of the sport’s most popular competitors, the rallying community were devastated when a stray rock put paid to Paddon’s Rally Finland ambitions earlier this year. But the New Zealander did not give up the fight and worked tirelessly with his backers to facilitate another outing at the sport’s highest level – his efforts rewarded with a further two events.

Chasing success in the WRC 2 Pro category, Paddon’s Wales Rally GB outing will act as the perfect means to get back into the swing of the FIA World Rally Championship, whilst also showcasing the power and performance of M-Sport’s latest challenger.

Having contested the British event on nine previous occasions, Paddon knows the Welsh forests well – twice finishing on the support-category podium and securing his best result of fourth overall at the end of a strong and consistent 2016 season.

As a talented competitor on all surfaces, Paddon has eight top-three finishes to his name – securing his first podium in 2015 and claiming a maiden victory with an unforgettable performance at the 2016 edition of Rally Argentina.

And there’s no doubt he’ll be looking to add to those accolades when he returns to the wheel of the EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRC at the season finale in Australia.

Contesting the Australian fixture on eight previous occasions, it’s a rally he and Kennard know equally well and they have the results to prove it – with four top-five finishes in the past four years which include two podiums as well as the runner-up spot last year.

Team Principal, Richard Millener, said:

“After what happened in the lead-up to Finland, it was clear that a lot of the fans were desperate to see Hayden back behind the wheel. We gave him some thoughts and advice on what was needed to compete with us again, and within three weeks he was pretty much there!

“The backing and budget he was able to secure has allowed us to offer him two events – one with the Ford Fiesta R5 at Wales Rally GB, and another with the Ford Fiesta WRC at Rally Australia.

“The WRC 2 Pro series is extremely competitive at the moment so it’s great to add another top-line driver into the mix. With Hayden’s experience of all different kinds of cars we’re sure he’ll be able to show the capabilities of the new Fiesta R5.

“As for Rally Australia I think it’s clear what he aims to do there, and it will be great to see him back battling the WRC regulars. He and John certainly have the potential to deliver two really strong performances, and I’m one of many who are excited to see what they can do.”

Hayden Paddon said:

“We are really excited to get back behind the wheel. After the disappointment of Finland there was no way we could let that be the end of it and, together with M-Sport, we have worked hard to find some solutions. I really can’t thank everyone enough for their continued help and support; and a special thanks to HNZ who have again allowed this opportunity to happen.

“I’m really looking forward to driving M-Sport’s new R5 on an event we are familiar with and will aim to showcase its capabilities. It’s also good to get more seat time which, combined with testing both the R5 and the WRC, is something we have been lacking this year. But getting back in the world rally car at Rally Australia will be the real highlight, and I can’t wait.

“We’re not treating these rallies as a ‘last chance.’ We want to relax and enjoy the whole experience which will allow the results to come naturally. These are both rallies we know well and I feel I’m at a good level. There’s no reason we can’t deliver some strong results, but it’s important we don’t go chasing them – just let them come naturally.”

Rally Guide / Details / Website

Posted: July 22, 2019 9:13 AM

Rally Australia