2025 ARC Forest Rally Recap
30 May 2025 Bosch Motorsport
The second round of the EROAD Australian Rally Championship, the WA- based Forest Rally was held from May 22nd to 25th in Nannup, delivering a weekend of high-octane excitement and challenging conditions.
Wet and Wild Conditions
The rally was marked by wet weather, with rain turning the forest stages into slippery tracks and the service park into a muddy arena. These conditions tested the skills of drivers and the resilience of their vehicles, leading to numerous mechanical issues and last-minute repairs at Rally Central, located at the Nannup Recreation & Community Centre.
Spectator Enthusiasm
Despite the inclement weather, spectators turned out in large numbers, eager to witness the rally action. Designated viewing points along the stages, offered fans multiple opportunities to see the cars in action, with 7 spectator points across 6 stages. The free access to spectating areas and the vibrant atmosphere at Rally Central added to the overall experience.
Challenging Stages and New Additions
This year's rally featured several new and modified stages, such as Ferndale North, Lewana, and the Nannup Power Stage ~ a fast 3.5 km loop designed for a thrilling finish. The combination of fresh routes and adverse weather conditions made for an unpredictable and exciting competition.
Bosch Ballot Box
The introduction of the Bosch Motorsport Ballot Box at the 2025 Australian Rally Championships has added an exciting twist!
The WA Forest Rally marks the second ARC round using the new Bosch Motorsport Ballot Box. Instead of the traditional method, the top three seeded crews now have the chance to draw their starting positions through the 'lucky dip' system. This adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the competition, and we can’t wait to see how it continues to play out throughout the 2025 season.
Many drivers feel there's a benefit to drawing 3rd place in the Australian Rally Championships, due to the strategic advantages it offers during a rally stage. Running as the third car on the course allows drivers to closely observe the lines taken by the two competitors ahead, which helps them identify the optimal racing line on often unpredictable terrain. This positioning not only provides a clearer view of the road conditions but also allows them to gauge the grip levels and potential hazards, enhancing their ability to navigate challenging sections. Additionally, being in third place often means that drivers can avoid the dust and debris kicked up by the lead cars, making it a preferred spot for many competitors looking to maximize their performance and maintain control throughout the rally.
Harry Bates confirmed these beliefs in his pre 'Bosch Motorsport Ballot Box' pull interview at the Friday night 'Ceremonial Start' sharing that "the advantage to being car three tomorrow would be that you've got other peoples marks to see where it's slippery....if it was dry you'd definitely want car three because car one would be sweeping all the gravel off the road. "
Bosch & Competitors
Many competition cars rely on Bosch Motorsport components to enhance their performance, including the impressive Toyota Gazoo Racing Rally cars. These vehicles are equipped with cutting-edge Bosch technology, such as our high-performance fuel pumps, fuel injectors, and precision sensors, ensuring they can tackle the toughest rally conditions with precision and reliability. Notably, the Rally2 and AP4 Toyota Yaris models utilize a range of Bosch Motorsport ECUs, Power Boxes, Displays, and Keypads, all designed to optimize performance and driver control.
At the 2025 WA Forest Rally, we were thrilled to have Calibrated Performance, a Bosch Motorsport Authorised Dealer, on-site to provide technical support for these high-performance machines. Their expertise and knowledge of Bosch components played a crucial role in helping teams optimise their vehicles for the challenging wet and muddy tracks.
Being part of the rally community is something we cherish, and events like this remind us of the passion and dedication that everyone brings to the sport. A huge thank you to all the fans, drivers, and teams for making the WA Forest Rally such a memorable experience. We’re looking forward to more thrilling races ahead and can’t wait to see how the season unfolds! Stay tuned for more updates from Bosch Motorsport as we continue to support the 2025 EROAD Australian Rally Championships!
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS:
1st: Hayden Paddon & John Kennard, 160
2nd: Lewis Bates & Anthony McLoughlin, 153
3rd: Harry Bates & Coral Taylor, 142
4th: Scott Pedder & Glenn Macneall, 122
5th: Tom Kristensson & Andreas Johansson, 68
FOREST RALLY RESULTS:
HEAT 1:
1st: Hayden Paddon & John Kennard Hayden Paddon 58:25.5
2nd: Scott Pedder & Glenn Macneall Scott Pedder +12.3
3rd: Lewis Bates & Anthony McLoughlin Lewis Bates +1:20.6
HEAT 2:
1st: Hayden Paddon & John Kennard Hayden Paddon 46:47.7
2nd: Harry Bates & Coral Taylor Harry Bates +5.4
3rd: Tom Kristensson & Andreas Johansson Tom Kristensson +6.7
Overall:
1st: Hayden Paddon & John Kennard Hayden Paddon 100 (50/50)
2nd: Harry Bates & Coral Taylor Harry Bates 68 (28/40)
3rd: Tom Kristensson & Andreas Johansson Tom Kristensson 66 (31/35)