Drawing competitors from Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden and beyond, this year’s edition will also host the opening round of the Subaru WRX Challenge, with a total of 184.3 competitive kilometres across 12 gravel stages split into two heats.
Toby Price Makes ARC Debut
One of the biggest names in off-road racing, Toby Price OAM, headlines the entry list with his first foray into the ARC. A two-time Dakar Rally winner on two wheels and a nine-time Finke Desert Race victor, Price will team up with co-driver Holly Kilbride in a Subaru WRX run by Maximum Motorsport as part of the Subaru WRX Challenge.
“I’ve heard and seen so many amazing things about the Forest Rally — the stages, the unique surface, and how well it’s run by the WA Car Club,” Price said. “I can’t wait to jump in the Subaru and hit those WA roads with Holly calling the shots.”
Price’s transition from off-road desert terrain to the tight, ball-bearing gravel roads of Nannup adds another exciting layer to an already high-calibre field.
International Heavy Hitters Join the Grid
Joining Price under the Maximum Motorsport banner is Swedish rally ace Tom Kristensson, the 2020 Junior WRC Champion. He’ll pilot the Skoda Fabia R5 previously driven by former ARC champ Scott Pedder, with fellow Swede Andreas Johansson navigating.
Across the Tasman, New Zealand rally hero and former WRC competitor Hayden Paddon returns to Forest Rally in his 2022 Hyundai i20N. Paddon, who currently sits fifth in the ARC standings, will be looking to climb the leaderboard with another strong performance on Australian soil. He’ll be joined by countryman Graham Ferguson, who brings a dose of nostalgia with his Ford Capri entry.
From Ireland comes fan favourite Frank Kelly, well known for his dramatic and fearless driving in his classic Ford Escort Mk2. With daughter Lauren in the co-driver seat, Kelly will be one of the most entertaining drivers to watch on the narrow, technical stages of the southwest.
Irish duo Matt and Catherine Shinnons are also competing, leasing a 1971 Datsun 1600 locally as part of their goal to rally in a different country each year.
ARC Front-Runners Prepare for Title Battle
On the national front, the battle for ARC supremacy heats up with several of the championship’s top drivers returning to the stages.
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Lewis Bates leads the standings after a strong opening round and will look to consolidate his position at the top. His brother Harry Bates, currently third, remains firmly in title contention, while Scott Pedder (2nd) and Hayden Paddon (5th) are also within striking distance.
Local interest is high with West Aussie Alex Rullo and father Peter Rullo again going head-to-head. Peter, partnered with Ben Searcy, sits 11th in the standings — just two points ahead of Alex, who has teamed up with seasoned co-driver Steve Glenney in another Hyundai i20N Rally2.
The family rivalry adds an extra dimension to the rally, with both determined to edge each other out on home soil.
Spectator-Friendly Rally Returns to WA’s South West
Event Director Ross Tapper OAM is expecting big crowds thanks to the mix of international entries, national championship stars and free spectator access.
“With the depth of talent heading to Busselton and Nannup, there’ll be no shortage of high-speed, sideways rally action,” Tapper said. “These roads are unique to WA — fast, flowing and slippery — and the level of commitment needed from the drivers is huge.”
Thanks to support from Tourism Western Australia, ARC Plant Hire, ARB Bunbury and others, the rally remains free to attend. Spectators are simply asked to register online at rally.com.au for a free ticket.
Tapper also praised the region’s continued support of the rally, saying: “We’re thrilled to again be running Forest Rally in WA’s beautiful southwest. It’s one of the most picturesque and challenging events on the ARC calendar.”
What’s On: Rally Weekend Schedule
The action kicks off in Busselton on Friday 23 May with the Hit FM Rally Show from 4:00pm and a Ceremonial Start at 6:00pm, held on the Busselton Foreshore between Shelter Brewing Co and the Jetty. It’s the perfect chance for fans to get up close with the cars and meet the drivers before competition begins.
Saturday 24 May sees the real action begin in the forests around Nannup, with 12 competitive stages across the weekend. Dedicated spectator points will be marked in the official Forest Rally Spectator Guide, allowing fans to safely catch the action at some of the most thrilling corners.
The rally concludes Sunday 25 May with a podium celebration and champagne spray in the Nannup Service Park from approximately 3:45pm.
Subaru WRX Challenge Adds Spice
Adding another layer to the weekend is the newly minted Subaru WRX Challenge. Designed to spotlight drivers competing in Subaru machinery, it brings together a mix of emerging and established talent all eager to stake their claim.
Maximum Motorsport’s long-standing relationship with Subaru adds credibility to the initiative. The WA-based rally outfit has been at the heart of Australian rallying for over three decades, and their technical experience is expected to give WRX entrants like Price the tools they need to be competitive out of the box.
The Gravel Awaits
With a combination of high-profile international drivers, rising Aussie stars, and WA fan favourites, the 2024 Forest Rally shapes as a must-watch event on the ARC calendar.
The ball-bearing gravel roads of Nannup have always demanded precision and bravery — the kind of stages where a single mistake can cost a rally, and a moment of brilliance can win one. With several top contenders looking to gain an edge in the six-round championship, and international stars looking to make their mark, fans are in for a feast of rally action.
For those attending in person, the rally offers an unmatched opportunity to experience top-tier motorsport in a relaxed and picturesque setting — from the coastal foreshore of Busselton to the rugged forests inland.
Entry is free with registration, and all rally fans — new and seasoned — are encouraged to grab a ticket, explore the Spectator Guide, and experience one of Australia’s most iconic rallies firsthand.
Event Summary
- What: 2024 Forest Rally – Round 2 of the Bosch Motorsport ARC
- Where: Busselton and Nannup, Western Australia
- When: Friday 23 – Sunday 25 May
- Stages: 12 stages, 184.3 competitive kilometres
- Notable Entrants: Toby Price, Hayden Paddon, Tom Kristensson, Frank Kelly, Lewis & Harry Bates, Scott Pedder, Peter & Alex Rullo
- Spectator Info: Free entry with registration at rally.com.au
- Friday: Rally Show and Ceremonial Start (Busselton Foreshore)
- Saturday & Sunday: Competitive stages (Nannup region)
- Sunday: Podium finish at Service Park in Nannup (approx. 3:45pm)
- For the full Forest Rally Spectator Guide, entry list, and stage maps, visit rally.com.au.
