This year’s Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland will go on as planned, despite months of heavy rain drenching the Gympie region.

Event organisers are promising an even bigger event in 2022, with a focus on making the rally even better for spectators across the weekend.

Brisbane Sporting Car Club, promoter of the national rally round, has been in ongoing discussions with the Gympie Regional Council and Motorsport Australia, with the decision made to continue with the rally, as well as confirming the availability of a number of suitable roads to host the event in July.

While some roads used in 2022 are unable to be run again due to water and flood damage, the event expects around 180km of competitive stages to make up the three-day event.

Brisbane Sporting Car Club President Dominic Corkeron said the event would be even bigger and better than its debut on the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) calendar in 2021.

“Firstly, we are truly grateful to the Gympie Regional Council for their ongoing support of this event in what has been a difficult few months,” Corkeron said.

“We all know that hosting a national event such as the Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland is actually a great way for us to support the Gympie community, bringing a vital tourism boost to all businesses in the area.

“The event will also provide coverage of what an attractive region is to those watching at home through the ARC’s media coverage both online and on the Seven Network.

“The Brisbane Sporting Car Club is also heavily focused on creating a larger festival type event in 2022, with an expanded ‘Wheels On Mary’ Friday night show, as well as bringing more to the Rally Village at the Gympie Showgrounds.

“With more happening in the Rally Village than ever before, we’re hopeful of seeing thousands of people pass through Gympie, supporting the local community and enjoying an event to remember.”

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig says the Gympie region cannot wait to host the Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland once again.

“The buzz around the region from last year’s event has been unlike anything I have witnessed before and I have been approached by countless residents about their excitement for this year’s event,” Hartwig said.

“We are planning on building on the success of last year’s Wheels on Mary street party by hosting multiple events as part of our new brand, ‘Rally Gympie region’.

“I encourage residents and visitors to the come to the Gympie region during July to watch one of the premier motorsport competitions in the country.”

The Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland, round four of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship takes place on 22-24 July.

Wheels On Mary will take place on Friday, 22 July from 5pm.