Anticipation is building for the next round of the CAMS Australian Rally Championship, with Ballarat ready for this year’s new-look event.

The Pedders Eureka Rush will be the second of the ‘sprint’ formats, following Canberra’s netier National Capital Rally one day event in May.

Fan friendly action has been the focus for organisers, with confirmation of a Super Special Stage on Saturday, 24 August, followed by a full day of rally action in Victoria’s goldfields region on Sunday.

Mayor of Ballarat Cr Samantha McIntosh announced on ABC radio this morning that the City of Ballarat are contributing $10,000 to help fund the innovative Super Special Stage around the new Ballarat West Employment Zone.

“It's another event for the city, and it's another event that is a little different to many others that we do host,” Cr McIntosh said.

“It's so important that we have that diversity of event offer on the table.  To see Eureka Rush coming back is pretty exciting.”

Pedders Eureka Rush Clerk of Course Andrew Roseman said organisers had been busy preparing for the new event format and were grateful for the local support.

“We’re really pleased to see the strong interest in this event and our local businesses certainly see the strong economic benefits events like this can bring to places like Ballarat,” Roseman said.

“Those passionate about seeing high quality, competitive rally action will also be in for a treat.”

In acknowledging the traditional land owners of the Ballarat, Beaufort and Mt Cole region, Roseman confirmed the event team were currently working with the Wadawurrung and Djab Warrung clans for a traditional ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony which will be a key part of the event format.

Meanwhile, Bell Tower Inn has been named as the rally’s accommodation partner and pre-event headquarters, with those visiting Ballarat able to access discounted rates for the duration of the Eureka Rush.

Road safety will also be a key focus for this event, with CAMS and event organisers keen to highlight the importance of staying safe on busy roads, in line with the FIA’s #3500Lives campaign – aimed at reducing the tragic statistic that 3500 people die on roads around the world each and every day.

CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca said as the peak body for motor sport in Australia, CAMS was pleased to work with event organisers on this initiative.

“Andrew and the entire Eureka Rush team have been working hard behind the scenes to make sure this rally provides plenty of fan-friendly action, as well as some challenging and testing roads for the competitors to show off their skills,” Arocca said.

“We’re pleased to be able to also use this event to promote the importance of road safety and the FIA’s Golden Rules as part of the #3500Lives campaign.

“Ballarat has seen some terrific rally action in recent years and we are excited about the new-look event in 2019.”

The Pedders Eureka Rush Rally will be held on 24-25 August.