The 2023 Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) season is one step closer, with entries for the Buckby ŠKODA Rally Launceston now open.
Serving as the opener for one of the most highly anticipated ARC seasons to date, the Buckby ŠKODA Rally Launceston will see crews head down to the Apple Isle at the end of March.
Often considered some of the best rally roads in Australia, Tasmania’s picturesque autumn weather will certainly add to the spectacle.
Click here to enter Buckby ŠKODA Rally Launceston.
The rally will have an almost identical schedule to the 2022 edition, with Australia’s best crews to tackle 207 competitive kilometres across 12 stages for the sprint event.
Split over two heats, crews will complete 119 competitive kilometres over six stages on the Saturday, before taking on the remaining 89 kilometres on the Sunday for Heat Two.
Sunday’s six stages will wrap up with the EROAD Power Stage, held at the 13 kilometre Lisle23 Short stage.
Click here to view the itinerary via the Supplementary Regulations.
Crews interested in entering the Buckby ŠKODA Rally Launceston have until 6pm AEDT on Friday 10 March to enter, and with entries capped at 60, teams are encouraged to get in early to avoid missing out.
In addition to the ARC season opener, the event will also be hosting the opening round of the Motorsport Australia Tasmanian Rally Championship, with state crews to solely compete in Saturday’s six stages.
Click here to enter Buckby ŠKODA Rally Launceston.
Event Clerk of Course Hamish Marquis was excited to have the ARC begin its season in Tasmania.
“It’s a very exciting prospect knowing that the ARC will kick off the 2023 season on our roads and we’re confident we will help the championship live up to the hype,” Marquis said.
“Being the first round of the season has many major benefits and one of those is the opportunity for a fresh start for all teams and drivers, who will be looking to begin their seasons on a high.
“There are plenty of whispers about some new cars and who will be coming, and if those turn out to be true, then the quality of the entries for this event will be incredible – so we’re looking forward to seeing the entries come through.
“The event is virtually the same as last year, which isn’t a bad thing, as crews will be able to use their previous knowledge to produce some fast times.
“Having the event in March will allow us to maximise the longer days, which will have a positive impact and has the potential to be nicer for everyone – especially officials.
“Of course we are hoping to get plenty of volunteers to help run the event and we are grateful for all who do, because without the hard work and dedication of officials, we couldn’t have motorsport.”
Click here to volunteer at Buckby ŠKODA Rally Launceston.
The Buckby ŠKODA Rally Launceston gets underway around the forests of Launceston on 24–26 March.