Rally Rides Day Delivers Smiles at The Bend
More than 70 people experienced the thrill of rallying at last Sunday’s SA Rally Rides Day held at The Bend Motorsport Park, in what proved to be a hugely successful day for the volunteers of the South Australian rally community. The day combined with the launch of the 2026 SA Rally Champiosnhip and the SA Autocross Series.
Officials are the back bone of every motorsport event. More than 450 volunteers from the SARC 2025 season were invited, with 60 places up for grabs. Passengers were given the opportunity to ride alongside experienced competitors, including our current and a former State Champions, getting a true taste of the speed, control and excitement that defines rallying.
The event drew strong support from the local club community, with Southern Districts Car Club (SDCC) and Walkerville All Cars Club (WACC) both well represented throughout the day.
Importantly, the event also attracted new volunteers and prospective competitors, many of whom expressed interest in continuing or becoming more involved in rallying. Several participants indicated they would be keen to take the next step through upcoming Come and Try Day at SDCC and the excellent WACC Rally Skills Program, both designed to help newcomers experience rally cars and learn the fundamentals of the sport.
Autocross Showcases the Pathway Into Rally
For the first time, Autocross was included as part of the Rally Rides Day activities. Contributing Autocross Series clubs were asked to nominate drivers with suitable cars and safety equipment to join the day.
Two Autocross competitors demonstrated the discipline alongside South Australian Rally Championship (SARC) competitors, highlighting the important role Autocross plays as an accessible feeder category into rallying.
Warm Weather and an Even Warmer Atmosphere
Conditions at The Bend were dry and warm, but the atmosphere among participants, volunteers and organisers was even warmer. The goodwill and excitement throughout the day were obvious, with smiles everywhere as participants stepped out of the cars after their rides.
One message received after the event captured the spirit perfectly. A young participant was so excited about his experience that his father had to send video evidence to his school teacher, who initially thought the story of the rally ride might have been exaggerated somewhat.
Moments like that are exactly what the day was designed to create.
Across the event, the six drivers delivered ride after ride, going through a significant number of tyres to ensure every participant got the full rally experience.
Volunteers at the Heart of the Event
All participants and organisers were well fed and watered, thanks to three regular SA rally competitors who stepped in to run the BBQ throughout the day.
The day was led by SA/NT Rally Panel Chair Daren Herring and funded by the SA/NT Rally Panel.
Almost all the current members of the SA/NT Rally Panel were actively involved in the event, giving back to the volunteer officials who help make rallying possible across South Australia.
Organisers from events contributing to the South Australian Rally Championship (SARC) and the South Australian Autocross Series (SAAXS) were also present on the day to show their appreciation for the volunteers who support the sport year round.
Thank You
On behalf of the SA/NT Rally Panel, Daren Herring thanked everyone who helped make the event possible.
Special thanks go to:
- Kevin Raedel for organising the venue and negotiating the Motorsport Australia permit
- Jared and Iz (Clerk of Course) for implementing the course design
- Lisi, Tyler and Lottie for handling the BBQ
- Mark Lacey and Andrew Challen for assisting with crew dressing
- Luke, Rose and Levi for setting up the circuit with flags and banners
And of course, to the drivers who brought the cars (fuel & tyres) at their own expense:
- Darrin Field (SARC)
- Mark Povey (SARC)
- Michael Mohr (SARC #1)
- Neil Jamieson (SARC)
- Aaron Bowering (SARC & SAAXS)
- Andrew Gleeson (SAAXS)
And, of course, to our event sponsors, SA Motorsport Tyres (MRF), MSS Safety, Motorsport Service Solutions, DH Rallysport, ikklefellas, Aaron Bowering, Mark & Essie from Twin Cam Media, Seamus from SBD Media and the other helpers, volunteers, clubs and participants whose enthusiasm made the day such a success.
Events like Rally Rides Day highlight the strength of the rally community in South Australia, bringing together competitors, volunteers and newcomers to share the excitement of the sport.
For more images from the day, visit: Twin Cam Media and SBD Media
