MT BULLER SPRINT DELIVERS HIGH-INTENSITY ALPINE TARMAC BATTLE

The Mt Buller Sprint 2026 concluded an exhilarating weekend of alpine tarmac rallying, with competitors facing the iconic Mt Buller Road under clear skies, blazing sun, and flawless tarmac across multiple competitive stages

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At the head of the field, Paul Dowie and Adrian Sparrow delivered a commanding performance in their 2016 Porsche GT3RS, securing overall victory. Consistently fast and clean across the stages, the pair controlled the rally from the front and capped off the weekend with multiple top-two stage times.

Second outright went to Michael Harding and James Thornburn aboard their 2009 Subaru WRX STI, finishing just 35.8 seconds adrift after an intense battle that saw the Subaru crew regularly trading fastest times through the middle stages of the event.

Rounding out the outright podium were Liam Howarth and Larry Howarth in the 1995 Nissan Skyline GTR V-Spec, just over a minute behind the leaders. Their smooth and consistent pace rewarded them with a well-earned third overall in a highly competitive field.

Just outside the podium, Jonathan Moir and Darragh Lynch impressed in their 1976 Ford Mk2 Escort, finishing fourth overall and taking honours in the classic machinery contingent, while Jeremy Dennison and Casey Rumble completed the top five in the 2018 BMW M140i.

Despite finishing 25th overall following a broken drive shaft, Matt Close and Cameron Reeves were one of the standout stories of the event. The 20198 Audi TTRS crew set the fastest stage time of the weekend with an 8:23.5, underlining the outright pace on offer throughout the field and keeping spectators entertained to the very last run.

The event’s challenging alpine tarmac stages saw a significant number of competitors sidelined by mechanical failures, highlighting the demanding nature of the Mt Buller course:

• Engine, drivetrain, and clutch failures forced several crews out, including Neil Cuthbert/Sue Cuthbert (2009 Mitsubishi Evo X), Jason Wright/Fiona Wright (2011 Nissan R35), Keith Morling/Tristian Stirling-Cameron (1976 Ford MK2 Escort), and Adam Garwood/Steve Glenney (2015 Volkswagen Golf R).

• Off-road incidents claimed cars like Laura Rogers/Gavin Rogers (2016 Porsche Cayman GTS) and Dean Van Huizen/Jonah Van Huizen (2020 Mini JCW GP).

• Even some fast contenders, like Matt Close/Cameron Reeves (2018 Audi TTRS) and Dean Lillie/Jay Lillie (1999 Mitsubishi EVO VI), were hampered by mechanical setbacks but managed to rejoin later stages.

  
  

The Mt Buller Sprint will continue to establish itself as a benchmark for tarmac rallying in Australia, rewarding speed, skill, and endurance. Organisers thank all competitors, volunteers, and officials for an incredible weekend and look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027.

With the dust settling on Mt Buller, the adrenaline doesn’t stop, the focus now shifts to the Great Alpine Rally, the first new tarmac rally in 10 years! Taking place on 28–29 March at Falls Creek, entry applications are now open and proving that the sport is more alive than ever, so what’s stopping you?

Don’t miss your opportunity to make history and join the next epic chapter of ATR!