The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally will remain as part of the Australian Rally Championship, with the event included as one of six rounds of the 2025 season.
The Gippsland event will be the championship’s fourth round from August 8 to 10.
This year’s rally was battled out across 16 stages around Heyfield, Cowwarr, Boisdale and Briagolong, with a season-high 63 crews competing across the weekend. The weekend’s festivities began on the Friday evening with the Rally Show at the Port of Sale, where more than 1000 enthusiastic fans gathered to get an up close look at the rally cars and a chance to meet the drivers.
Fresh off a successful event, clerk of course and event organiser Andrew Roseman was pleased to confirm Gippsland as the home of the Victorian round of the ARC in 2025.
“The 2025 event will mark the fourth year that the Gippsland Rally has formed part of the national championship, something we’re incredibly proud to deliver in the region,” he said.
“Last month’s rally was a fantastic event, and we received wonderful feedback from competitors and spectators over the weekend, so we’re excited to be going around for another year.
“We think 2025 is going to be bigger and better than ever before and look forward delivering another exceptional event.”
Wellington Shire mayor Ian Bye said it was an honour to again welcome the Gippsland Rally back to the region.
“We are extremely proud of the strong relationship we’ve built with event organisers, drivers, and spectators, and to once again be the naming rights sponsor of what is widely considered one of Australia’s best-run motorsport events,” he said.
“We are excited to build on the success of previous years, working with organisers to deliver an event that is not only highly regarded in the motorsport world but also provides an economic boost to our region and a spectacular weekend for our community.”
Last month’s Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally has been hailed by Wellington Shire Council as a huge success, with more than 7000 spectators flocking to witness the nation’s top rally drivers in action.
“This event is a huge drawcard for our community, attracting visitors right across the globe and providing a significant boost to local tourism, we love it,” Cr Bye said.
In a win for the local economy, businesses across the municipality were overflowing with rally goers.
The Maffra and District Car Club canteen took record proceeds with thousands attending the track to watch the last leg of the rally. Auto businesses across the Heyfield area were also in high demand. Local accommodation including hotels, motels and Airbnbs were heavily booked with more than 1000 people from teams, support crews, volunteers and staff all booking for four to seven days – some accommodation venues were booked a year in advance.
With some 8000 people involved in the overall event over the four days, it is estimated that the regional expenditure was almost $1.3 million.
