Rally Australia reveals revised route proposal

Rally Australia organisers have revealed plans for a significantly shortened route it hopes to run for this week’s World Rally Championship finale.

Raging bushfires in Northern New South Wales have threatened the running of the event, forcing officials to revise its schedule.

The severity of the conditions has already seen the Australian Rally Championship component of the event cancelled.

A proposal has been pitched to the FIA and New South Wales Government which will see competitors tackle 90km of timed running over four newly configured stages.

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 Raceway, 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.

“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,” said Rally Australia CEO Darryl Ferris.

“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.”

Should the plan receive the all clear, Rally Australia will begin on Thursday with the Shakedown moved to the Destination NSW Super Special Stage.