HARRY BATES WINS TOYOTA GAZOO RACING NAROOMA FOREST RALLY 2026

HARRY BATES EXTENDS ARC LEAD WITH VICTORY AT TOYOTA GAZOO RACING NAROOMA FOREST RALLY

Harry Bates and Coral Taylor strengthened their bid for the 2026 Australian Rally Championship by winning the inaugural Toyota Gazoo Racing Narooma Forest Rally, giving Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia its second victory of the season.

The result also saw Harry Bates make Australian Rally Championship history by recording his 46th career heat win, setting a new all-time ARC record after winning both Saturday and Sunday's heats.

Bates and Taylor controlled the rally from the opening stages, winning four of the first five tests during Heat 1 before teammates Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin claimed victory on the day's Power Stage.

Sunday followed a similar pattern, with Harry Bates again winning four of the first five stages. Lewis Bates finished the event strongly by securing a second consecutive Power Stage victory and third place overall alongside co-driver Anthony McLoughlin.

The event marked the first time Narooma had hosted a round of the Australian Rally Championship, with Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia serving as the event's title sponsor.

Following three rounds of the championship, Harry Bates and Coral Taylor have increased their championship advantage to 30 points over Scott Pedder and Glenn Macneall. Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin remain third in the standings, a further 12 points behind second place.

The 2026 Australian Rally Championship season now heads to Rally Tasmania, scheduled for 14–16 August.

KEY POINTS

• Harry Bates and Coral Taylor won the Toyota Gazoo Racing Narooma Forest Rally.

• Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia claimed its second ARC victory of 2026.

• Harry Bates set a new Australian Rally Championship record with 46 career heat wins.

• Bates won both Heat 1 and Heat 2 in Narooma.

• Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin finished third overall.

• Lewis Bates won both Power Stages during the weekend.

• Narooma hosted an Australian Rally Championship round for the first time.

• Harry Bates extended his championship lead to 30 points.

• Toyota drivers occupy first and third in the ARC standings.

• The next ARC round is Rally Tasmania.

QUOTES

"Harry Bates and Coral Taylor continued their championship campaign with victory at the inaugural Toyota Gazoo Racing Narooma Forest Rally."

"Harry Bates also set a new Australian Rally Championship record by claiming his 46th career heat win."

RALLY RESULTS

Heat 1

• 1st – Harry Bates / Coral Taylor

• 3rd – Lewis Bates / Anthony McLoughlin

Heat 2

• 1st – Harry Bates / Coral Taylor

• 3rd – Lewis Bates / Anthony McLoughlin

Overall

• 1st – Harry Bates / Coral Taylor

• 3rd – Lewis Bates / Anthony McLoughlin

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

Harry Bates / Coral Taylor – 296 points

Scott Pedder / Glenn Macneall – 266 points

Lewis Bates / Anthony McLoughlin – 254 points

Jackson Long / Damien Long – 155 points

Tony Sullens / Julia Barkley – 132 points