Australian Rally Championship sees increased spectator interest

Motorsport fans are excited about rally driving as its popularity grows. The first round of the 2025 Australian Rally Championship took place in the forests near Canberra. Lewis Bates won this event for the first time, marking a special moment for him on home ground. Australian motorsport is thriving, with drivers like Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo gaining global recognition in Formula 1. Now, rally driving is gaining traction. Around 2,500 spectators attended the Rally of Canberra, showing a rise in interest. Organizers were pleased with the turnout, noting it doubled expectations. Lewis Bates comes from a rally driving family. His father, Neal Bates, is a former champion, and his brother Harry is a four-time Australian champion. Lewis claimed his first overall title in 2022 and celebrated winning in Canberra this weekend. He highlighted the excitement among fans at the event's ceremonial start in the city center. Bates credited the success of popular culture, like the documentary series "Drive to Survive," for boosting motorsport's visibility. The rally atmosphere was electric, with cheers for both Lewis and Harry from the crowd. The co-driver plays an essential role in rally races, navigating the track amidst the chaos. Coral Taylor, a respected co-driver, described how important it is to remain calm during intense moments. She noted that while Australia offers great rally landscapes, it lacks the number of participants seen in Europe. Despite this, Bates and others in the sport feel a renewed interest and hope it will inspire new fans. The increase in spectators and support at events signifies a promising future for rally driving in Australia.