Rally SA is a motorsports store and car racing track located in Thebarton, South Australia. With a passion for car racing and a commitment to providing a thrilling experience for enthusiasts, Rally SA offers a range of services and events for both competitors and spectators.
As the home of Shannons Rally of the Heartland, one of Australia's newest events for classic cars, Rally SA attracts car enthusiasts from across the country. The event, which takes place annually in April, offers competitors the opportunity to showcase their skills in a competitive event of 500 kilometres. Supported by Shannons Insurance as the naming rights sponsor, Rally SA ensures a high-quality experience for all participants.
Not only is Rally SA a round of the MRF South Australian Rally Championship, but it is also a round of the South Australian Regularity Series and the East Coast Classic Rally Series for 2WD and 4WD vehicles. This diversity allows Rally SA to cater to a wide range of car racing enthusiasts, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
The Rally of the Heartland is known for its long night stages in full darkness, providing a unique and exhilarating experience for competitors. With the addition of LAZER High Performance Lighting as a sponsor, new awards for night stages have been introduced, enhancing the excitement and competition.
Rally SA prides itself on providing easy liaisons for competitors, ensuring a smooth and efficient racing experience. The Service Park is conveniently located in Burra at Paxton Square and Burra Community School. This minimises the time competitors spend away from home while still offering a total of approximately 500 competitive kilometres.
To maintain fairness and excitement, Rally SA is a blind event, meaning there is no local testing or reconnaissance allowed. Competitors must rely solely on a road book, adding an extra element of challenge and strategy to the race. Regional scrutiny is allowed and encouraged, with spot checks conducted during the event to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Safety is paramount at Rally SA, and all cars are required to be equipped with RallySafe, a mandatory safety system. With five Mobile Intervention Vehicles (MIVs) stationed strategically along the track, Rally SA is well-prepared to respond to any incidents that may occur during the event.
To ensure a thrilling and competitive experience, entries for the Rally of the Heartland are limited to 75 competitors. A starting spot can be reserved by making a payment of $300, which is later deducted from the entry fee. It is important to note that this reservation fee is non-refundable. The event features both an invitational and a regularity category, allowing for diverse participation and opportunities for competitors to showcase their skills.
For participants travelling from outside the region, Rally SA serves as a hub for accommodation options. Convenient options include Paxton Square cottages, where competitors can step out of their rooms directly onto their service area. Paxton Square Caravan Park, hotels in Burra, and other guest houses in the area offer additional lodging choices. Camping facilities are also available at the Burra Showgrounds, ensuring a comfortable stay for participants.
Rally SA acknowledges the support of its sponsors, who play a crucial role in making the event possible. They encourage participants to support these sponsors by purchasing their products and utilising their services, further strengthening the motorsports community.
Whether you are a competitor, a spectator, or a passionate motorsports enthusiast, Rally SA guarantees an unforgettable experience. With its dedication to safety, competitive racing, and a vibrant motorsports community, Rally SA is the ultimate destination for car racing in Thebarton.