Australian Rally Championship spreads wings

ARC signs naming rights sponsor, increases TV coverage and attracts greater manufacturer participation

The Australian Rally Championship appears to be going from strength to strength in 2011, with a number of positive events having taken place in recent times -- including the possible addition of more manufacturers into the series.

The signing of global car parts and accessories company Bosch as the naming rights sponsor for the 2011 The Australian Rally Championship, or ARC, is a major coup for the rally series, but as the ARC's CEO Scott Pedder explained, the possibility of new manufacturers joining the fray would also pique the interest of motor sports fans.

"Bosch coming on board, along with the moves we have made, has already lifted interest and discussion with several vehicle manufacturers who are contemplating involvement in the ARC. Automotive giants Honda and Hyundai are already involved in the Bosch Australian Rally Championship, while other manufacturers are talking to us about their involvement," revealed Pedder.

Pedder acknowledged that the signing of Bosch as the naming rights sponsor was a huge help for the series, and together with the boosted free-to-air TV coverage on channel Ten and One HD, would contribute to the series' success.

Pedder also cited the grassroots rally schemes in place that would ensure the sports' longevity: "Initiatives such as the new Rallyschool.com.au Junior Australian Rally Challenge aimed at identifying and developing young talent as well as the ARC's new Unrestricted philosophy have generated enormous interest with competitors, and signing Bosch will lift the championship to another level."

On the other side of the deal, Bosch's Regional Director (Automotive Aftermarket) Phil Robinson explained that the ARC's increasing reach made the series an ideal partner: "We are rapidly growing our brake business and see an alignment with the ARC as the perfect vehicle to communicate the development of our brake range to both our existing and future customers.

"Bosch is a global leader in the development of braking systems, including ABS, and in conjunction with the PBR brake range, we now have the most comprehensive brake package available," said Robinson.

According to the ARC, it expects "more than" 2.5 million Australians will see the Bosch ARC on television. There will be more than 36 hours of national television coverage on Ten and One HD.

The first round of the Bosch ARC will be the Quit Forest Rally in Western Australia. The season is scheduled as follows:

1. Quit Forest Rally (WA) April 15-17
2. International Rally of Queensland, Sunshine Coast (Qld) May 13-15
3. Rally of South Australia, Adelaide Hills (SA) July 29-31
4. Australian WRC round, Coffs Harbour (NSW) September 9-11
5. Rally Victoria, Gippsland (Vic) November 11-12

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