With the ongoing COVID-19 situation in Victoria causing uncertainty over border restrictions in coming weeks, Motorsport Australia has made the decision to shift the upcoming Les Walkden Enterprises Rally Tasmania round to September.
The event was originally scheduled for 2-4 July, but will now be held on 10-12 September, allowing competitors and crews plenty of time to plan for the new date and avoid any costly last minute cancellations.
“It may have been possible to hold the event on its original date if the situation in Victoria improved, however with many crews having to pass through Victoria to get to Launceston, the risk of any extended border closures means we were eager to make a decision now to provide certainty for all our teams and personnel involved in the event,” Michael Smith, Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations said.
“We’re tremendously grateful to the partners of the event, including Les Walkden Enterprises, the Tasmanian Government and the City of Launceston for understanding and supporting this decision which will allow us to bring a full field to Tasmania.
“With this change, the Les Walkden Enterprises Rally Tasmania event will now be the fourth round of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship, with Adelaide to follow in October. Victoria now takes over as the official third round in August, with Gippsland Rally on 6-8 August.
“Excitingly, we hope these tweaks to the calendar will allow us to enjoy a full six round calendar of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship. We’ve always said we’ll do our best to nimble and adaptable and appreciate the rally community’s support.”
The change to Tasmania’s date will also see the AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally moved back one week to 22-24 October, with the event to double as a qualifier for the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship Final at the Coffs Coast Rally.
The top three outright finishers, along with two wildcards, will be eligible for the APRC final – a chance to claim bragging rights in an international level Championship.
The final of the APRC will be held at the Coffs Coast Rally in Coffs Harbour in November.
AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally event organiser Andrew Admiraal said preparations were well underway for the penultimate round of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship.
“There has been a lot of work put into this event over many months and we have some very exciting plans for the 2021 edition of the AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally,” Admiraal explained.
“Not only will we see the best rally drivers take on some of the best rally roads in the country, but we’re also pleased to confirm the event will act as a qualifier for the APRC – an opportunity for both South Australian and Australian crews to showcase their talents on the international stage.
“We can’t wait to welcome the ARC and APRC to our back yard and encourage everyone to keep an eye on our website and social media for more information as the event draws closer.”
