Head-to-head Australian Rally Championship Festival added to Adelaide Grand Final

The Australian Rally Championship (ARC) Festival, will provide a new entertainment option at the 2026 bp Adelaide Grand Final, featuring the fastest rally crews and cars in Australia competing in a special Race of Champions-style format.

Drivers will showcase their incredible skill behind the wheel of top-spec machinery on a temporary purpose-built dirt track, as they race one-on-one in front of the iconic Victoria Park Heritage Grandstand.

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

The highly modified turbo powered, four-wheel-drive vehicles featured in the EROAD Australian Rally Championship have the ability to tackle unpredictable roads and jumps and navigate tight corners providing spectators a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.

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 World Rally Championship.

As the son of four-time Australian Rally Champion, Neal Bates, Harry brings with him a rich history of Australian Rally 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.

Mark Warren, bp Adelaide Grand Final Chief Executive said: “The bp Adelaide Grand Final has non-stop on and off-track motorsport action and we are excited to add a brand-new component that highlights the impressive racing in 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.

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

Current ARC leader Bates said: “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.

“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.”

ARC Director Adrian Coppin added: “We are extremely excited about the opportunity to have the EROAD Australian Rally Championship feature on at bp Adelaide Grand Final – one of Australia’s biggest annual sporting events.

“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."

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

The 2025 bp Adelaide Grand Final saw more than 285,000 fans through the gates cementing the Supercars championship deciding race as one of Australia’s top sporting events with quality on-track, off-track and music entertainment included in every ticket.

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