Further changes to the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) have been confirmed.

September’s Les Walkden Enterprises Rally Tasmania will not run this year, however the event will take place in 2022, having already been announced as round three of next year’s championship.

Despite this disappointing news, Motorsport Australia can today confirm it will add another event to the 2021 calendar, with a Coffs Coast double header now scheduled for 20-21 November followed by the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship final on 26-28 November.

The new Coffs event will be a shorter event, known as the Coffs Sprint Rally, with roads from previous Rally Australia events expected to be used.

This additional round means the Championship will still feature five separate rounds this year, with the AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally in October, back-to-back Coffs Coast events and the two rounds already completed in Canberra and Gympie.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith said while the cancellation of Tasmania was understandably disappointing, October and November promised a busy and exciting finish to 2021.

“The ongoing uncertainty around borders and the changing travel restrictions have forced our hand in announcing the cancellation of the Les Walkden Enterprises Rally Tasmania,” Smith explained.

“We were eager to get to Tasmania and put on a fantastic event, however we know a call needed to be made early on this event, given the logistics in getting cars, officials and competitors to the Apple Isle. As such we will now focus on delivering an amazing event in 2022 in Launceston and are really excited about returning to Tasmania in June next year.

“A huge thank you must go to the event sponsors and the Tasmanian Government who have been extremely supportive over recent months.

“We’ve also remained in constant dialogue with the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship competitors as well, so this Coffs Coast double header is certainly supported by many of our competitors who are eager to get as much rallying under their belt as possible.

“A double header in Coffs Harbour is also an amazing opportunity for the northern NSW region. We know these events will bring an economic boost to the area through an extended stay in the region for so many crews, officials and support personnel. We can’t wait to get there and deliver two amazing events based out of Coffs Harbour.”

RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship 2021 Calendar:

Round 1: Netier National Capital Rally (completed)
Round 2: Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland (completed)
Round 3: AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally (22-24 October)
Round 4: Coffs Sprint Rally (20-21 November)
Round 5: Coffs Coast Rally (26-28 November)*
*Event doubles as the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship finale