The Australian Rally Hall of Fame will welcome five highly decorated new members at the prestigious gala dinner next month ahead of the Pedders Eureka Rush Rally.
The new group of inductees, which include two drivers and three officials and administers, will join the 31 members already part of the prestigious Rally Hall of Fame.
Headlining the five inductees are drivers Wayne Bell and Scott Pedder, with rally results guru Garry Searle, Scrutineer Barry Habgood and event director Ivar Stanelis also to be inducted.
Hailed as a legend of Australian rallying and the fastest driver to never win an Australian title, the popular Bell will forever be known for his exciting 'Scandinavian' driving style in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as guiding the Hyundai brand into the
World Rally Championship.
For Pedder, a CAMS Australian Rally Championship title in 2014 and a longstanding rallying career, along with the hard work and dedication behind the scenes to build the sport in the modern era makes Pedder a well-deserved inductee.
Habgood leads the three other inductees, with the long time scrutineer enjoying a memorable 12 months after being presented with the FIA Best Chief Scrutineer Official of the Season award in Russia last year, as well as being a fair and well respected
official for more than two decades.
Searle’s introduction into the Hall of Fame should come as no surprise for many, as the scoring system expert has been both an innovator and developer for successful timing systems. Searle has also provided essential knowledge and expertise to scoring
systems and operations for more than 30 years.
Rounding out the five inductees is Stanellis, who has been an event organiser and director for almost 50 years, playing a pivotal role in event innovation from the early 1970s until the present, Stanellis had put in an incredible amount of time and money
into the sport.
The Hall of Fame dinner will take place on the eve of the Pedders Eureka Rush Rally and will feature Australian rally royalty including Alistair McRae as special guest.
For fans wanting to add an extra element to their evening can sit with McRae on the lead table by purchasing the premium $120 ticket and join an exclusive group of eight people and the Scottish legend.
Hosted by rally presenter Dean Herridge, the evening will also celebrate the Victorian Rally Hall of Fame with three individuals to be inducted.