The Australian Rally Championship Festival has been unveiled as a new activation and entertainment option to be included at the 2026 bp Adelaide Grand Final later this year.

The rallycross style addition will feature the fastest rally crews and cars in Australia, competing in a special Race of Champions-style format in front of the iconic Victoria Park Heritage Grandstand.

“Holding this exciting exhibition at an event with the calibre of the bp Adelaide Grand Final will allow us to showcase our championship in front of a whole new market and give people a unique view on Australia’s premiere rally competition,” Adrian Coppin, Director of the EROAD Australian Rally Championship, outlined.

The festival will involve drivers showcasing their incredible skill behind the wheel of top-spec machinery on a temporary purpose-built dirt track.

Comprising of 10 cars with Australia’s top rally drivers, each shootout will involve one-on-one rally driving, slowly build towards a finale head-to-head race for victory.

bp Adelaide Grand Final Chief Executive Mark Warren stated the Grand Final weekend will feature non-stop on and off-track motorsport action and is excited to add a brand-new component featuring impressive rally skills from the Australian Rally Championship.

“Racing action of this kind is unique, with all event patrons able to see the full figure of eight, pursuit style track with their 2026 bp Adelaide Grand Final general admission ticket,” Warren added.

“Joining our blockbuster event schedule, the ARC Festival **will complement the wide range of on and off-track activities at this year’s event.”

Three-time Australian Rally Champion Harry Bates is the first driver confirmed for the ARC Festival, boasting a wealth of experience including multiple appearances in the highly prestigious FIA World Rally Championship.

“I’m very pumped to be driving my Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 as part of the EROAD ARC Festival **at the 2026 bp Adelaide Grand Final,” Bates said.

“It’s going to bring rallying right into the middle of one of the biggest motorsport events in Australia. It’ll be fast and it’ll be something totally different for the fans.”

As the son of four-time Australian Rally Champion Neal Bates, Harry brings with him a rich history of Australian rallying success and will be one of the favourites during the Festival from 26-29 November.

Access to all the ARC Festival action at the 2026 bp Adelaide Grand Final is included in all event tickets available at ticketmaster.com.au/adelaidegrandfinal.

Further format and scheduling details for the ARC Festival at the 2026 bp Adelaide Grand Final will be announced closer to the event.

The 2026 bp Adelaide Grand Final takes place from 26-29 November. For more information, please visit www.adelaidegrandfinal.com.au.