While there isn’t a specific championship solely named the “Northern Territory Rally Championship,” rallying does occur in the Northern Territory, often connected to national events or organized by local motorsport clubs.
Here’s what you need to know about rallying in the Northern Territory:
Key Aspects of Rallying in the Northern Territory:
- Finke Desert Race: This iconic off-road race from Alice Springs to Aputula (Finke) includes car and buggy categories and is a major motorsport event in the NT. While not a traditional rally championship, it’s a significant off-road racing event.
- Local Club Events: Motorsport Australia-affiliated clubs in the Northern Territory, such as the Central Australia Rally Sports Club, may organize smaller, local rally events. However, information on a formal NT Rally Championship is not readily available.
- Connection to National Events: The Northern Territory sometimes hosts rounds of national off-road championships. For example, the Finke Desert Race is often part of the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship.
🏁 What rally events do run in the NT in 2026?
✅ Hidden Valley Rally / Rallysprint (Darwin area)
- Date: TBA 2026
- Format: Rallysprint / short stage event
- Status: Motorsport Australia permitted, club‑level
- Notes: Hidden Valley Raceway appears on national motorsport calendars for circuit racing in 2026, but no NT stage rally championship round is listed
✅ Central Australian Rally / Rallysprint (Alice Springs region)
- Date: TBA 2026
- Format: Rallysprint or point‑to‑point
- Status: Historically intermittent
- Notes: These events run when promoter and land access allow, not annually
2025 Season (as of May 6, 2025):
- Finke Desert Race: June 6-9, 2025, Alice Springs to Aputula (Finke). This is a major off-road event featuring bikes, cars, buggies, and quads.
- Local events organized by clubs like the Central Australia Rally Sports Club may occur throughout the year, but specific details would need to be sourced directly from the club or MotorSports NT.
Governing Body:
- MotorSports NT is the peak body for motorsport in the Northern Territory and can provide information on affiliated clubs and events.
How to find more information:
- MotorSports NT Website: Check the calendar and club listings on the official MotorSports NT website for any local rally events.
- Central Australia Rally Sports Club: Contact this club directly to inquire about local rallying activities in the Alice Springs region.
- Australian Rally Championship (ARC) Website: Keep an eye on the ARC calendar to see if any rounds are scheduled in the Northern Territory.
While the Northern Territory might not have a formal, stand-alone “Rally Championship” in the same vein as other states, there are definitely opportunities for off-road motorsport enthusiasts, including rally-style events, particularly through local clubs and the renowned Finke Desert Race.