Organisers for this year’s second Shannons Adelaide Rally are preparing for one of the biggest editions of the popular tarmac rally, with a record number of entries already confirmed.
 
Taking place over four jam packed days in November, 412 cars are already committed to the event, with a monster 230 competitive kilometres across 34 stages.
 
And while the event has once again attracted hundreds of entries from around the country, to the point that the waitlists for tour groups have even reached capacity, competing crews will be vying for more than just a trophy and bragging rights.
 
For the first time in the event’s history, a hefty prize pool of $25,000 will be available with financial rewards on offer for the outright and interstate winner.
 
Taking out first place in the event will net the winning crew a cool $10,000, while the best interstate team will also secure a cash prize of $10,000 – meaning there is plenty to fight for.
 
Adding to the attraction of both cash prizes and record numbers, a host of new stages have also been introduced for crews, including Cherryville, which is just shy of 20km and Yarraby, which is the iconic Mount Lofty Stage in reverse.


Although event organisers were unsure of whether they should hold a second event in 2021 having run the postponed 2020 edition earlier this year, Shannons Adelaide Rally spokesman Noah Probert believed the response from competitors justified the decision.
 
“It’s quite overwhelming to have the interest that we have had – particularly since it was on such short notice – There is obviously a demand and people just want to enjoy their cars and racing,” Probert said.
 
“I think there were a few factors behind the huge entry numbers and one of those would be our simplistic refund policy which gives people peace of mind and the confidence to enter regardless of what the situation is.
 
“Obviously the prize pool would have swayed a few people to throw their hat in the ring too. It definitely gives the incentive to come to Adelaide and have a go. Especially with interstate drivers being in a position to win 20 thousand if they win the outright title.
 
“I think introducing this sort of financial incentive hasn’t been done by many other state rally events. What it does is encourage big teams to come down, try something new and have a crack at the cash.
 
“Most categories are full at this point. There are still some spots in the competitive classes, which will be open until they reach capacity, however the tours are closed because we have just been inundated and they’re completely full – even the waitlist.”


While competitors are certain beneficiaries for the second running of the rally this year, fans are the real winners as event organisers have structured large portions of the event to benefit spectators.
 
Throughout the event, there are six stages with specifically designed spectator points, tailored to make the experience as comfortable and appealing as any other stage around Australia.
 
“This is something different and we’ve never done it before, which is very exciting for us,” Probert added.
 
“We have stages every day where people can go and watch at points that also include amenities like toilets and food stalls, as well as all being free to access.
 
“One of the more notable spectator friendly stages is a newly introduced one which is the shortest of day three. It’s one of the stages made just for the fans and is between Stirling and Aldgate. What makes it great is that the one kilometre course will have easily accessible vantage points along the whole stage.
 
“We’re really excited about this event and we couldn’t be happier from the reaction of competitors, officials and fans as this is the first time we have promoted it for spectators in the way that we are.”
 
For more information on the event, click here.
 
The 2021 Shannons Adelaide Rally will take place in and around Adelaide on 25-28 November.