Hellyer Rally set for June 9

The Hellyer Rally will again start from the Tall Timbers Resort. Photo by North West Car Club.

​The Tall Timbers Hellyer Rally will run on the June long weekend, after being granted approval to move dates from CAMS State Council. The original scheduled date was unable to be used, forcing the North West Car Club to find a replacement date.

"Although it is frustrating to change the calendared date for all involved, I think that running on the 9th of June, the long weekend, will suit many competitors" said event director Nathan Newton.

"This has opened up many new opportunities for the event, and will provide competitors that extra day to travel back home from the event".

A perennial event in the Dunlop-Motul Tasmanian Rally Championship calendar, the Hellyer Rally will spend its second year based in Smithton, following a successful relocation to stages in the far north west in 2017. This was the first time that roads in the region had ever been used in a rally, and proved to be popular, with road characteristics being compared to Finland with lots of crests and very smooth, open roads.

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"Despite the popularity and success of the event in 2017, we still aim to improve the event each year. The route of the stages has been reconfigured, with many new additions in stages, which adds to the adventure. Those that were here last year are still going to find plenty of road they haven't seen before".

Whilst the start and finish of the event remain at the popular Tall Timbers Resort in Smithton, the service park has changed location, moving to Tarkine Forest Adventures in Dismal Swamp.

"One issue we had last year was that the service park was not ideal with the large rainfall we had leading up to the event. With the event moving date, we have been able to approach Tarkine Forest Adventures to use their car park area as the service park. They are usually closed for winter, but have agreed to open up for the event. Competitors and service crews will be able to take advantage of the great food and drinks they have on offer in the cafe during the service breaks."

The North West Car Club is appreciative of the sponsors and local community that have again got behind the event, which is one of the biggest sporting events in the region.

"We are really looking forward to returning to Smithton this year and we look forward to a fun event for all involved".

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