Rally Australia cancelled due to bushfires

The Kennards Hire Rally Australia has been cancelled after consultation with the Australian State Government, the FIA, emergency services and the local community.

New South Wales is experiencing its worst fire conditions, resulting in the declaration of a state of emergency, a total fire ban and conditions in some regions classified as 'catastrophic'. Event Chairman Andrew Papadopoulos said the cancellation was the only course available, considering the need to take care of more than 1,000 people involved as officials and competitors and in other roles.

Organisers had prepared a revised schedule covering a reduced route of about 90km, comprising multiple runs over four stages, including the Destination NSW super special stage on Coffs Harbour’s jetty foreshore and the fan-favourite Raleigh track. The glittering end-of-season WRC Gala Night at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney's picturesque Darling Harbour has also been cancelled.