THE GREAT ALPINE RALLY DELIVERS A DEFINING FIRST CHAPTER

What started as an ambitious idea has now thundered into reality, and what a statement it made.

The inaugural Great Alpine Rally based on Falls Creek is done, and it didn’t just meet expectations; it rewrote them.

Across two days, competitors were thrown into the gauntlet: 24 stages, over 300 competitive kilometres on some of the most demanding tarmac ever stitched together for a rally in Australia.

But this wasn’t just about the stages. It was about the atmosphere, cars buzzing before sunrise, crews dialled in, spectators lining the roads, and a shared understanding that everyone present was part of something brand new… and something special.

True to the nature of the High Country, conditions added to the spectacle. Friday’s documentation and scrutineering were met with snow, sleet and freezing temperatures, before the weekend transitioned into clear skies, crisp alpine air, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The evolving conditions only reinforced the challenge and character of the event and set the tone for a weekend that will be talked about for years to come.

The success of the Great Alpine Rally is owed to an incredible collective effort. From the dedicated officials who kept the event moving seamlessly, to the safety teams who ensured every kilometre was delivered with precision and care.

Gratitude is also extended to the local communities that welcomed the event and opened their roads.

Outright honours were claimed by Michael Harding / James Thornburn in their Subaru WRX STI, delivering a dominant and consistent performance to secure victory. Jonathan Moir / Darragh Lynch (Ford Mk2 Escort) followed in second, finishing just 1:54.2 behind, with Justin Waterhouse / Adrian Bryant (Mitsubishi Evo X) completing the outright podium in third after a strong and steady run.

At the front of the Rally Challenge field, Ben Watkins / Peter Hellwig in their Subaru WRX STI. Behind them, David Currow / Kate O’Donnell pushed hard in their Fiat AC.

In Modern Super Rally, it was a masterclass from Michael Harding/James Thornburn, who pieced together a near-flawless run to take victory. Dean Lillie/Samantha Stevens stayed within striking distance but ultimately settled for second, while Jason Wright/Fiona Wright muscled their Nissan R35 onto the podium after a hard-fought campaign.

The Modern AWD category saw a tight, high-pressure fight, with Craig Haysman/Jasmine Haysman emerging on top in their Subaru WRX STI. Consistency was king here, edging out Jason Killen / Andrew Thompson (Audi TTRS) and Greg Burrowes / Rhonda Burrowes (GR Yaris) in a battle that never truly settled until the final stages.

In Modern 2WD, Laura Rogers / Gavin Rogers drove with precision and composure to secure victory in their Porsche Cayman GTS, holding off Jennifer Kim/Rhys Llewellyn in a clean, calculated drive.

The Early Modern AWD class delivered one of the most competitive fights of the event. Justin Waterhouse / Adrian Bryant came out on top in their Evo X, but the margins told the real story with Michael Mansey / Julie Winton-Monet and Allan Hines / Kerry Hines pushing relentlessly right to the end.

In Early Modern 2WD, it was a razor-thin margin that defined the podium. David Blunden / Greg McDonald edged out victory in their R33 Skyline, holding off Roger Lomman / Annie Bainbridge by just seconds after an all-out battle across the stages.

The classic machinery didn’t hold back either. In Classic Super Rally, Jonathan Moir / Darragh Lynch piloted their Mk2 Escort to victory, fending off a charging Mick Downey / Jarrod Akker in the Group C Commodore, a duel that felt like a throwback to rally’s golden era.

And in the Classic field, Peter Gluskie / Samantha Winter stood tall in their BMW E30, delivering a dominant performance to close out the weekend, with Hugh Feggans/James Callahan and Robin Lowe / Peter Lowe rounding out a hard-fought podium.

History was made this weekend. New roads were conquered. Firsts were written. And the foundation has been laid for what is set to become one of Australia’s premier tarmac rallies.

The journey doesn’t stop here. ATR’s next two events are fast approaching, with the Snowy River Sprint (12–13 September) followed by the first-ever three-day, Great Tarmac Rally (23–25).

Entries open 1 May, and competitors are urged to register early and lock in their spot as the series continues to grow.

Spread the word, gather your team, and prepare for what’s next.