Bates christens new Yaris perfectly
Harry Bates and Coral Taylor could not ask for a better start to life as reigning ARC champions in a new car after dominating the Rally of Canberra.
Bates and Taylor behind the wheel of the first Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 in Australia were unstoppable, sweeping all six stages of the Australian Rally Championship opener.
The pair led a Toyota 1-2 ahead of Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin, who finished more than a minute off in the older spec Yaris GR AP4.
The 2024 Australian Rally Championship had a delayed start after heavy rain washed out all of Saturday’s action.
But not even mother nature could stop Bates and Taylor from producing the perfect start to their title defence.
Coral Taylor and Harry Bates celebrate their Rally of Canberra success. Images: CarsMosport
“Toyota Gazoo Racing overseas really wanted this win because it’s a new car for them and this is only the third chassis they’ve built, so it’s a big deal for them to be getting rally wins,” Harry Bates said.
“I felt like I had that pressure slightly sitting on me as well, but to come out and perform the way we did is a good effort by Coral and I, and by the team at Neal Bates Motorsport for getting us here with quite limited prep.
“Last year in Canberra, we had very straightforward weather conditions, and the battle was just a battle, where we had to drive fast.
“But today felt like the weather threw a bit more at us and was changing all day long.
“I think the one thing that stayed pretty consistent all day was our pace, and to show the pace from the first stage to the last feels pretty nice.
“I think it was a tricky day, I have got some experience now in Canberra in wet conditions, which probably played in my favour, whereas I think some of the others were probably a little bit caught out by conditions.”
Bates and Taylor wasted no time in making an impression by opening up a huge 30s advantage in the opening two stages alone.
Lewis Bates made it a Toyota 1-2. Images: CarsMosport
This gap grew to beyond 40s once the morning loop was completed, whilst Scott Pedder and Glenn Macneall made their move on SS3.
They managed to split the Toyotas by surging to second with 10s on Harry Bates after coming within five tenths of the all conquering Harry Bates on SS4.
However, a puncture on the following stage ruined Pedder’s hopes of a podium as he dropped to fifth.
Whilst the drama gave Lewis Bates some breathing space, it also set up a thrilling fight for third.
Molly Taylor won class honours in Canberra. Images: CarsMosport
Alex Rullo/Steve Glenney held the high ground but had to battle with Eddie Maguire/Zak Brakey deep into the final stage.
In the end Rullo and Glenney prevailed to join the Toyotas on the podium.
Molly Taylor and Andy Sarandis showed speed in their Subaru WRX STI to finish seventh outright and win the ARC Production Cup honours.
Like the overall winners, Taylor also enjoyed a perfect six out of six in class honours.
In other classes, Michael Harding and James Thornburn claimed ARC 4WD Classic Cup, Trevor Stilling and Claire Buccini comfortably won the ARC Classic 2WD Cup by a minute and a half, Justin Northage and Scott Muhling secured the ARC 2WD Cup, while Jaidyn and Lucy Gluskie overcame plenty of adversity to take out ARC Junior Cup.
The 2024 Australian Rally Championship heads to Western Australia for the Forest Rally on May 17-19.
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