This weekend marks the commencement of the 2026 EROAD Australian Rally Championship (ARC), half a year since the thrilling conclusion of the 2025 season.
The Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland will kick off the championship for the very first time in its history, taking place from 17-19 April in the vibrant town of Gympie.
Competitors will navigate the popular Queensland course, featuring an exciting blend of forest stages paired with energetic urban action.
Twenty-two crews are set to battle it out in the opening round, highlighted by a thrilling showdown between the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2s from Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia and the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2s from Pedders Rally Team, backed by Famous Insurance.
Leading Toyota’s charge in the brand-new GR Yaris Rally2 is three-time champion Harry Bates, accompanied by co-driver Coral Taylor. They are joined by 2022 champions Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin, forming an impressive two-car team.
The Pedders Rally Team counters with a robust pairing of Skoda Fabia Rally2s, led by 2014 champion Scott Pedder and Glenn Macneall. Rising talent Jackson Long, fresh off an impressive rookie season, joins forces with Damian Long for outright competition.
The entry list boasts an impressive lineup, with standout names such as Toby Price competing in the Subaru WRX Challenge, and both Josh Redhead and returning competitor Josh Wiedman representing the WOLF Cup. Other notable participants include Darren Crozier, Wayne Stewart, Troy Dowel, and Shane Garner.
The weekend’s action comprises over 176 competitive kilometres across 15 stages.
On Saturday, competitors will tackle eight stages covering 94km, while Sunday features seven stages over 82km.
Saturday will see a later start than usual, with the first vehicles set to hit the opening stage at 9:53am AEST. Highlights of the day include the inaugural Campbell’s Super Special Stage, which will be held twice in the heart of Gympie, as well as a newly introduced Power Stage scheduled for the afternoon.
Sunday’s festivities kick off at 8:36am AEST, continuing with the remaining six stages and culminating in the Power Stage at 2:04pm AEST, followed by the podium presentation at 4:30pm.
In a change from previous events, the Galvaniize Insurance Rally Central will now be situated in central Gympie, providing fans with numerous opportunities to get up close and personal with the cars.
Fans can engage with all the Rally Queensland activities across various platforms throughout the weekend.
The ARC’s new broadcasting partnership with FOX SPORTS Australia and Kayo SPORTS kicks off this weekend, featuring live coverage of SS6 and SS16 on both services.
Additionally, fans can catch live streams of both stages, as well as SS1, SS9, and SS12, on ARC and Speedcafe’s official Facebook and YouTube channels.
Live results will be accessible via the Subaru Results Hub, along with ongoing updates and interviews via the ARC’s Facebook and Instagram channels, as well as on rally.com.au.
With a compact format, an impressive roster of competitors, and a historic season opener, the 2026 Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland promises an exhilarating and action-filled beginning to the ARC season.
Compiled by SportArena.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
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