Top drivers ready for Forest Rally

The Forest Rally, held in and around Nannup in Western Australia’s southwest from 23 to 25 May, is attracting motorsport’s big names including drivers from Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden and a multiple Dakar winner.

Round two of the Australian Rally Championship (ARC) and the opening round of the Subaru WRX Challenge, the Forest Rally consists of two heats of six stages, a total of 12 stages and 184.3 competitive kilometres.

Two-time Dakar moto winner Toby Price OAM and co-driver Holly Kilbride join Forest Rally with Maximum Motorsport in the Subaru WRX Challenge, Price’s first time competing in the ARC.

Besides Dakar, Price, 37, has an impressive motorsport resume that includes nine wins at the iconic Finke Desert Race in both two and four wheels, and victories at numerous off-road events including in his famous Red Bull Trophy Truck.

Also under the Maximum Motorsport banner is the 2020 Junior WRC Champion Tom Kristensson and co-driver Andreas Johansson who will adorn the Swedish flag on Scott Pedder’s car from the last year, the Skoda Fabia R5.

Former World Rally Championship (WRC) competitor and two-time European Champion Haydon Paddon will be flying across the ditch from his native New Zealand to fly along the stages in his 2022 Hyundai i20N, joined by fellow Kiwi competitor Graham Ferguson in a classic Ford Capri.

Irish star rally driver Frank Kelly has amassed a huge following with his daring driving in his classic 1977 Ford Escort Mk2 and is making the long trip to Busselton with his daughter and co-driver Lauren.

Irish compatriot Matt Shinnons is leasing a local 1971 Datsun 1600 with wife and co-driver Catherine Shinnons calling the notes, and ticking off their bucket list to compete in a rally in different country each year.

Australian rally drivers vying for the national title will be driving for maximum points.

Former V8 Supercars driver Alex Rullo with co-driver Steve Glenney will be hoping to one-up his old man, Peter Rullo who has co-driver Ben Searcy calling notes in their 2022 Hyundai i20N Rally 2 car.

After Round 1 of the six-round ARC, Peter Rullo is 11th, two points ahead of son Alex who sits in 12th position in the ARC Driver Standings.

Current championship leader Lewis Bates, his brother Harry Bates (currently 3rd in the Driver Standings), as well as Scott Pedder (currently 2nd), Hayden Paddon (currently 5th) will all be looking for results at Forest Rally to leapfrog their chances of the 2025 title.

Event Director Ross Tapper OAM said this year’s Forest Rally will be incredible for spectators.

“With the depth of talent coming to Busselton and Nannup to compete on our unique ball-bearing gravel roads, you can expect plenty of fast, sideways-sliding action on the stages,” Mr Tapper said.

Rally Drivers will begin Forest Rally with the Hit FM Rally Show from 4pm on Friday 23 May followed by a Ceremonial Start at 6pm on the Busselton Foreshore between Shelter Brewing Co and the Busselton Jetty.

The competition begins on Saturday 24 May in Nannup with dedicated spectator points along the stages that can be found in the Forest Rally Spectator Guide.

Forest Rally will conclude with a podium celebration and champagne spray on Sunday 25 May at approximately 3.45pm in the Service Park in Nannup.

For free entry, register for ticket online at rally.com.au.