Motorsport News Podcast

Australian champion, Harry Bates, drove at one of the most famous rallies of all at the weekend and Luke Whitten spoke with him about the experience. Bates is asked about the early discussions that brought this event together, how the preparation was, and just how he found competing at Rally de Portugal.  We also speak about the roads themselves in detail. Yes, they’re ’technical’, but what does that actually mean, and is there any comparison to Australia? Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Special Stage this week, we're joined by Australian rally star Taylor Gill to break down his season so far. We dive into his recent performances in Sweden and Croatia, and get all the details on his newly announced Italian drive, where he'll be behind the wheel of a Citroën. With the WRC action continuing this weekend at Rally de Portugal, we also discuss the highly anticipated return of fellow Australian Harry Bates to the WRC2 category. Taylor shares his firsthand insights and expectations on how Harry will handle the tough Portuguese gravel. To wrap things up, we shift our focus to the top tier of the World Rally Championship, laying out our predictions for who will conquer the iconic stages of Portugal this weekend. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, the RallySport Magazine team give a firsthand account of the action at Rally Heartland – one of the toughest events in the country. Glenn Brinkman took the outright win in an iconic Ford Escort RS Cosworth, while Toby Price secured the state championship victory. It was a gruelling event that rewarded patience and reliability over flat-out speed that we see so often in today’s rallying. We discuss the dusty conditions and some truly ‘Safari-like’ sections of the rally, which made for some absolutely spectacular images. To wrap things up, we briefly chat about the World Rally Championship for a discussion on the Canary Islands WRC round where Toyota were dominant. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a week away, Special Stage is back and it covers a vast array of events and topics.  The RallySport Magazine team unpack the Rally Queensland street stage, the Otago Rally and the upcoming WRC round on the Canary Islands. In addition, we talk about a recent S1 Rallysprint – an event type for the budget-conscious that is growing around the country. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kris Meeke and Mads Ostberg are joined by Pasi Hagstrom, Toby Price, Alex Rullo and the New Zealand Rally Championship stars at this weekend’s 50th Anniversary Otago Rally. We take a look at the detailed book that’s been released and give an insight into RallySport Magazine’s VIP tour, which begins on Thursday evening. Then we review Wednesday’s testing action and give our thoughts on what we might see when stage times start rolling in on Saturday morning. Rally Queensland’s entry list, along with Croatia Rally starts for Hayden Paddon and Taylor Gill, are also discussed on this bumper edition of Special Stage. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, a distinct middle ground has been missing from the New Zealand rally market. The newly announced GR Yaris Rally Cup NZ aims to fill that void, offering a one-make platform to bridge the gap between grassroots club cars and outright Rally2 and AP4 machinery. On this episode of the Special Stage Rally Podcast, we sit down with Tony McConachy and Paul Fallon from Rally Race Group (R2G) to get the inside story on the new series’ creation. McConachy and Fallon explain the significant international interest the category is already attracting from competitors in Australia, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Continuing our co-driver theme on Special Stage, Luke Whitten catches up with Dan Brkic to talk about his WRC2 debut at Rally Sweden. Brkic breaks down the step up to Rally2 machinery, explaining how the co-driver's to-do list grows significantly in a much faster car. The episode offers a detailed look into the reality of a privateer WRC2 campaign, and is a fascinating discussion with one of Australia’s top co-drivers about doing it the hard way and the work required to progress toward the peak of the sport. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Special Stage, Luke Whitten sits down with Australian co-driver Rhianon Gelsomino, who returns to the podcast after three years to discuss her recent co-driving adventures in the United States. We look at the current rally landscape in the US, specifically examining the more budget conscious limited 4WD class and what it takes to win there. As always with Gelsomino, listeners are treated to several valuable co-driving insights. It is an honest conversation about life in the sport and the unique challenges that come with competing at the top level in a growing rally nation like the United States. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a shorter episode of Special Stage, but there’s no substance lacking as we speak to two of the quickest drivers in Australian rallying from the Pedders Rally Team launch. Scott Pedder and Jackson Long join the podcast while at PowerPlay Campbellfield to discuss their new liveries and the prospects for season 2026. What are they hoping for out of their test event at Bathurst this weekend? Just what are their hopes for the year? We speak to them on the podcast. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Special Stage, Luke Whitten and Peter Whitten pull back the curtain on some of rallying's hottest topics. We dive into everything from the new Toyota WRC prototype to the complex challenges of building a truly even Australian Rally Championship, where the balance of cost and competitiveness is key. Learn more about World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist's highly anticipated return to Australia for the Flinders to Fleurieu event and hear about Richie Dalton’s Ford Escort destined for New Zealand. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> ⁠https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Special Stage, Luke Whitten sits down with Australian Rally Championship Manager Adrian Coppin to break down the major news surrounding the series' new broadcast deal. With a move to Fox Sports and Kayo officially locked in for 2026, we discuss what this means for the sport's visibility and for the fans watching from home. We also dive into the revised event formats, including the new Shakedown schedule and the highly anticipated changes coming to Rally Queensland in Gympie. It is a listen for anyone wanting to know the direction of the ARC in 2026. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Special Stage, we discuss the impressive feats of Taylor Gill and Daniel Brkic at Rally Sweden, where they finished fourth in the WRC2 category. Does this result give them a better chance to lock in more WRC rallies? And what are the odds of an Aussie entry later in the year? We also shift gears to talk about tarmac rallying – specifically the Mt Buller Sprint – and dive into the history of rallying’s two distinct surfaces in Australia. Last, but not least… we unpack the latest feature on the RallySport Magazine website. The 1991 Australian Rally Championship was highly controversial, and we explain what subscribers can expect online. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first episode of 2026 is here, and Luke and Peter Whitten are back to kick off the new season with a wide-ranging rally chat. They unpack Hayden Paddon’s Monte Carlo performance, look ahead to WRC Sweden with expectations for Taylor Gill, and discuss event promotion and the new street stage in Queensland. Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes insight into the Otago Rally book project, and questions are asked on whether Australia has a flagship rally event, and what could be done to get one in the absence of Rally Australia in the modern era. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

RallySport Magazine visit Australia's leading rally team, Neal Bates Motorsport, for this week’s Special Stage Rally Podcast to talk with Harry and Lewis Bates. Both won rounds of the Australian Rally Championship this year, and we asked them about the season, what it was like competing against Hayden Paddon and what the offseason has in store... We also ask about improvements. How can they improve their speed when seat time is so limited?  It’s a laid back conversation which covers many topics with these Australian Rally Champions, and is one not to miss. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you didn't know that the Alpine Rally was run and won last weekend, there's a fair chance you were living under a rock. We talk in-depth about the event on this week's Special Stage Rally Podcast, from the rally winners to the weather conditions and everything in between. But it wasn't the only rally on last weekend, with the WRC decided in Saudi Arabia. Was the result of the WRC a shock, and is Sebastien Ogier the greatest of all time? We give our views, and look ahead to this weekend’s Safari, where Aussies Tim Wilkins and Ray Winwood-Smith will compete in a Datsun 260Z. It's December, but there's still plenty to talk about on the Special Stage Rally Podcast. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The wait is almost over, with the 2025 Alpine Rally set to run in East Gippsland this weekend. This week's Special Stage Rally Podcast is all about the Alpine, and we've chatted to some of the leading contenders to get their views on how the event is going to play out. Can Nathan Quinn complete a hat-trick? Will Tristan Carrigan's big Magna spoil the party, or perhaps Brendan Reeves will finally break his Alpine duck. We discuss the weather, the stage lengths, and who we think might be holding up the winner's trophy after three tough days of competition. Fourteen stages and 370 competitive kilometres are ahead of us, and we can't wait. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tasmania? Japan? Whangarei? What was your focus on a weekend full of rally action? The Special Stage Rally Podcast team are back with in-depth discussion on all three events that filled our lives over the weekend. From Hayden Paddon's ARC triumph, Ben Hunt’s title in New Zealand, to another Sebastien Ogier masterclass, we have it all covered. Then there's Ott Tanak's retirement, Oliver Solberg's second coming at the top level, and much more. Sit back and listen to the guys chat all things rallying on another bumper edition of the Special Stage Rally Podcast. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The season finale is here! Rally Tasmania is set to decide who takes home the Australian Rally Championship crown — with both Hayden Paddon and Lewis Bates still in contention for the title. Host Matthew Whitten is joined by Taylor Gill to break down what’s in store on the island stages, and what it will take for the championship hopefuls to come out on top. We also take a look beyond Australia — previewing Rally Japan as well as the International Rally of Whangarei in New Zealand as we see where we think the big names will end up. Plus, Taylor shares insights from his season finale at the Central European Rally. It’s arguably the biggest rally week of the year — listen now to lap up all the anticipation for three big events. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> ⁠https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a heart breaker! Taylor Gill came so close to winning the 2025 Junior World Rally Championship that it's still hard to believe what we witnessed. The Special Stage Rally Podcast team discuss the Central European Rally with a fine tooth comb, and despite the result, we couldn't be any prouder of Taylor and Dan Brkic and the season they produced. There was also plenty happening at the top end of the WRC, while closer to home, we recap last weekend's Akademos Rally in Victoria, and look ahead to the state championship finale in Western Australia. We touch on Jackson Long's new-for-2026 Skoda Fabia R5, and what's next for rallying's top juniors, now that the FIA Rally Star program has concluded. Rallying is a never-ending story, so join us this week as we talk about the hot topics. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Special Stage Rally Podcast, we delve into last weekend's Adelaide Hills Rally, the fifth round of the Australian Rally Championship. It saw another masterclass from Kiwi Hayden Paddon, but also ended the title hopes of Harry Bates after he put his Toyota off the road. We discuss the implications from the weekend, review the performances of some of your favourite drivers, and look ahead to the final round in Tasmania. Taylor Gill's Rally3 win in Croatia is also on the agenda, as is the upcoming round of the New South Wales Rally Championship. It's getting close to Alpine Rally time as well, with several drivers already beginning their preparations. All that and more on this week's Special Stage Rally Podcast. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Round five of the Australian Rally Championship is ready to run, with the Adelaide Hills Rally set to challenge crews up and down the field. A couple of lesser-known voices take over the Special Stage Rally Podcast to preview the event as RallySport Magazine’s Matt Whitten is joined by reigning ARC Junior Cup winner, Mitch Garrad. They talk about the ARC round, the Croatian round of the European Rally Championship and what’s news in rallying this week. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regular Special Stage Rally Podcast guest, Brendan Reeves, took out the Victorian Rally Championship at the weekend and he joins us to talk all about it. From sending it on his favourite stage, Mt Slide, to replicating what his father and brother did years earlier, this is a wide-ranging chat that also unearths what’s next for ‘Brendo’ for the rest of the year. We also touch briefly on the Australian Rally Championship’s class changes and ‘Brendo’ gives his thoughts on what it may mean for the future. Episode 113 of Special Stage is one not to miss. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> ⁠⁠⁠https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the BJR Run Down, BJR general manager Chris Westwood and the driver of the #96 Macauley Jones break down a big weekend at The Bend, how the track raced at its first endurance race, plus how things went down from the team’s four cars on track. The latest parity changes are examined, plus why the 2026 calendar needs to make sense. And of course, there is the latest on the race that stops the nation: the Shitbox Rally on Macca’s Shake N Bake Farm! Become a BJR Member in 2025 >> ⁠https://www.bradjonesracing.com.au/bjr-memberships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was Australia’s champion versus our best young talent at the weekend in Narooma, but it was a battle that was far too short... This week’s Special Stage Rally Podcast covers the Narooma Forest Rally, won by Harry Bates and Mac Kierans. We will discuss the fast stages of the south coast of New South Wales and share our impressions of what the national championship will be in for when it visits next June. Also on the agenda is a brand new Otago Rally book being produced by RallySport Magazine. It's one to look out for a little bit later in the year. We detail all the info you need to know. The Valley Stages, Richie Dalton’s incredible Irish experience, and of course, WRC Rally Chile are all covered in what’s a brief but jam-packed episode of the podcast. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> ⁠⁠https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Possingham has two big events in South Australia, and the Adelaide Rally is up next.   With more than 450 entries on the list, including the likes of Hayden Paddon, Alister McRae and Frank Kelly, we ask him about the process of getting those big names.   He shares some of the secrets of the rally and just how they go about running the event with support from the South Australian Government. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> ⁠https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The wraps came off the Gen3-spec Toyota Supra Supercar ahead of this week’s edition of the Brad Jones Racing Run Down. BJR general manager Chris Westwood and the driver of the #96 Macauley Jones chat about the car’s first track laps, which Macca was on hand for at Toyota Australia’s in-house test track. They also give an update on the progress of BJR’s first Supra chassis, and how it’s going to be a very busy Christmas in Hope Court this year. They also chat about the upcoming enduros, The Bend 500 and Bathurst 1000, as well as the even bigger contest that is looming: the battle of the BJR crew in the Shitbox Rally on Macca’s Shake N Bake Farm! Become a BJR Member in 2025 >> https://www.bradjonesracing.com.au/bjr-memberships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jackson Long is the 2025 Australian Rally Championship Junior Cup winner, and it’s overdue that we get him on the podcast to talk about his career so far. Currently completing his year 12 studies, Jackson has had a busy 2025. He’s fitted in plenty of his passion – rallying – to his timetable this year. He shares what he thought of WRC Rally del Paraguay with RallySport Magazine’s Luke Whitten, and tells what’s next in the upcoming ARC rounds of South Australia and Tasmania. There’s also a tease for something new for 2026. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2025 Gippsland Rally has been run and won, so what do we make of Hayden Paddon's domination over the two days of competition? The RallySport Magazine team discuss what the result means for the Australian Rally Championship, and what we liked and didn't like about a rally in “The Middle of Everywhere". Jackson Long and Tony Sullens both wrapped up their respective ARC Cups, and we also saw an eye-catching performance from a former ARC event winner in his state series. We also touch on this weekend's cancelled Rosewood Rally, look ahead to the WRC's first visit to Paraguay in South America, and comment on a former cricket star's rallying debut. It’s all on this week's Special Stage Rally Podcast. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s plenty of ground to cover this week on The Brad Jones Racing Run Down!  It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from the driver of the #96 Macauley Jones and BJR general manager Chris Westwood, and they look back at a challenging weekend at Queensland Raceway and talk through one of the most challenging parts of the Gen3 era: the setup window. They also explain where they are at with the build of their first Toyota Supercar, working with homologation team Walkinshaw Andretti United and what’s to come as the Supra prepares to hit the track and then the windtunnel. They also chat about the recent Enduro Cup rule changes, Macca’s recent work with a BMW Super Tourer, and how one of Brad’s old NASCARs recently made a brief return to BJR headquarters! Become a BJR Member in 2025 >> https://www.bradjonesracing.com.au/bjr-memberships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There has been more than a few talking points arise this week, with RallySport Magazine finding that the tyre tender process is now open for the ARC for the years 2027-29. The team talk about this and share some of their opinions before looking ahead to the Gippsland Rally. Can Harry Bates recoup some of his championship deficit to Hayden Paddon, or can someone like Lewis Bates elevate his speed to properly announce himself as a title contender? Night rallying also returns, and the eagerness of such action is discussed in detail. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Australian Rally Championship has been through a transition period. A change in ownership was the big move in the summer offseason, and a hotly contested series so far has many eyeballs on the sport. Luke Whitten talks to owners Adrian and Jill Coppin about where they hope to take the ARC and how they think the season has gone thus far. We ask about how they felt about the move away from Canberra, as they highlight what impact the ARC has on how the events shape up. The Junior Cup and the pathways into the top of the sport in Australia are also discussed in a wide-ranging interview. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The news that Narooma will host a round of the Australian Rally Championship, replacing the Rally of Canberra, is big news, so who better to talk about this with than the rally's Clerk of Course, Adrian Dudok? The experienced Dudok explains the reasons behind the move, and what this means for rallying in Canberra moving forward. We also discuss last weekend's Rally Finland rollercoaster, where Toyota dominated by securing the top five places, and Australian Taylor Gill doubled his lead in the Junior World Rally Championship. The cancellation of the Rally of the Bay, and the winners of the South Australia's Barossa Rally, are also discussed in another big week for rallying. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our beloved sport has had many eras, and it’s been able to thrive in all of them thus far. What about the next era, though? Road access is becoming trickier, as is the organisation of events. Brett Middleton chats with Luke Whitten about rally organisation and how car clubs are preparing for their events in the current age. There’s plenty of vital information to learn about and many ways we can spruik the benefits of our sport. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rally Estonia was the most remarkable World Rally Championship event in recent memory. Oliver Solberg and Elliott Edmondson waited 1,019 days for their second chance in a Rally1 car, and it took just one event to be on the top step of the podium. It was a meteoric rise and not just the shock of the season, but probably the shock of the decade. Luke Whitten and Alex Rullo chat about the rally, and we ask where the young Swede goes next with no more Rally1 drives locked in. Rullo also speaks about the improvement in his driving in the Australian Rally Championship and how his season is tracking. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Australian Rally Championship is at the halfway point, and RallySport Magazine spends significant time unpacking the proceedings thus far. What did we think of the action, and where do the likes of Harry Bates, Scott Pedder, and Lewis Bates go to catch the leader, Hayden Paddon? Can any of them catch the flying Kiwis?  All of this is covered in the 103rd episode of the Special Stage Rally Podcast, helped made possible by the RallySport Magazine subscribers. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of The Brad Jones Racing Run Down, the driver of the #96 Macauley Jones and BJR general manager Chris Westwood are joined by BJR founder, owner and boss Brad Jones. Along with wrapping up a promising but bruising Darwin Triple Crown weekend, they also chat about the persistent of ‘parity’ complaints from Ford drivers and teams, the format of this weekend’s Townsville 500 – including just who’ll be watching the Friday afternoon sprint race – the scale of the damage to Jaxon Evans’ primary car from his shunt at Hidden Valley, and the latest on their preparations for their switch to Toyota for 2026. Off the back of Shane van Gisbergen’s wins in Chicago, Brad shares some NASCAR street racing tales of his own, while Macca talks about his chance to steer a BMW Super Tourer recently. And guess who happens to have a few Super Touring stories up his sleeve… Become a BJR Member in 2025 >> https://www.bradjonesracing.com.au/bjr-memberships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Returning to action this weekend, the Australian Rally Championship heads to Queensland, where the four-way title fight will continue with a vengeance. Lewis Bates and Hayden Paddon have won the opening two rounds of the series, but the likes of Harry Bates and Scott Pedder will be eager to get on the board with a win in the Sunshine State. Keeping these Rally2 cars on the road on treacherously narrow roads will be a tricky task at the world-class speed needed to win in 2025. Luke Whitten and Arron Windus discuss the prospects for the weekend ahead, while also looking back to a rough and rocky Acropolis Rally where there was success for a pair of Australians. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A rare link between rallying and Supercars took place over the past couple of weeks to lock in important dates in April next year and Peter Whitten talks about how that came about. Elsewhere on the podcast this week, we look ahead to the Acropolis Rally in Greece on what are notoriously rough stages, and we touch on the assault of a volunteer official at Victoria’s Nissan Nightmoves. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the centenary episode of the Special Stage Rally Podcast, Scott Pedder joins Peter Whitten to unravel the week of rallying and look ahead to Rally Queensland. Pedder gives his insights on Rally Poland, an event he’s done twice before in the World Rally Championship, and comments on the Australians competing overseas that are impressing the Victorian. Then, the conversation moves to the updates for his Skoda and his entry into this weekend's West Australian state round and just what he’ll focus on with the extra seat time. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sebastien Ogier is only doing a part time program in the WRC, but he’s right in the title fight. We ask if he’s the greatest ever and if he should try for title number nine this year. The RallySport Magazine team then get into the popular Bega Valley Rally and the unique nature of Dean Ridge’s victory aboard a Ford Fiesta G4. He may have had two co-drivers during the event, but it was a fine win of more than 30 seconds ahead of two wheel drive runners Nathan Quinn and Claude Murray. Also discussed is Toby Price’s recent ARC plans and Hayden Paddon’s superb preparation for Rally Queensland. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2017 Australian Rally Champion, Nathan Quinn, joins the Special Stage Rally Podcast to talk to Luke Whitten about his last 12 months of rallying. That time period includes his incredible run at the Silver Fern Rally late last year, and the rebuild process of his pretty Mazda RX2. It’s timely we have the Coffs Harbour local on the podcast given his return to the stages is at this weekend’s Bega Valley Rally, and he talks us through just what to expect from the popular rally. He’s also quizzed on the World Rally Championship and tells us his thoughts on the state of the Australian Rally Championship after two of six nail biting rounds so far this year. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of The Brad Jones Racing Run Down, the driver of the #96 Macauley Jones and BJR general manager Chris Westwood preview this weekend’s Supercars round at Wanneroo. Macca runs through the challenges offered by the abrasive surface, his “swamp donkey” teammate’s latest home round among the “André Supercars Series”, the logistics behind teams going direct from Perth to Darwin for the next round in a fortnight’s time, a story of team tactics gone wrong from his days in Formula Ford, and a big bit of news on the personal front. Become a BJR Member in 2025 >> https://www.bradjonesracing.com.au/bjr-memberships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Australian Rally Championship finally got back into action in Western Australia last week and a wet rally created for more storylines than we expected. Hayden Paddon became only the third international driver to win a round of the series and with it overtook Lewis Bates for the championship lead. We talk about Scott Pedder’s strong speed and off-road excursion as well as look at where Harry Bates can improve for round three in Queensland. The ARC is shaping up to be a four way fight this season and the RallySport Magazine team unpack it all. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of The Brad Jones Racing Run Down, the driver of the #96 Macauley Jones and BJR general manager Chris Westwood reflect on a busy couple of weeks for Albury’s Supercars team. They cover off the reaction to the announcement of their looming Toyota switch for 2026, look back at a Symmons Plains round that was fantastic Macca and the team all-round, their thoughts on how the new three-race sprint format is going, the DJR disqualification, their Super2 weekend, and Macca’s project car. Become a BJR Member in 2025 >> https://www.bradjonesracing.com.au/bjr-memberships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A pre-event test is more important for some than others and RallySport Magazine’s Luke Whitten was there on cue to explain how the action was unfolding. Speaking with the likes of Lewis Bates, Toby Price and Alex Rullo, the podcast will transport you to Western Australia to learn more about what’s to come for the Forest Rally. Who was comfortable with their cars and who was trying to get as many kilometres as possible before the stop watch begins?  There’s plenty to understand from the test stage, near Nannup. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode of the Special Stage Rally Podcast, Luke Whitten is joined by Rally de Portugal winners Taylor Gill and Dan Brkic the morning after their second straight JWRC win. How were their celebrations? What about their tiredness? They’ve just completed one of the most gruelling World Rally Championship rallies in years and join us to share their stories from it all. We get an update on just how their winning weekend went and what’s on between now and their next round in Greece. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A very special BONUS episode of The Brad Jones Racing Run Down this week because – as you might have heard – they’ve got a bit of news… The driver of the #96 Macauley Jones is joined by team owner Brad Jones to talk about their looming switch to Toyota for the 2026 Supercars Championship season. They cover the lead-up to the decision, the agonising Brad did over the decision, why he finally settled on changing and some of the behind-the-scenes things that will happen before the first BJR Supra hits the racetrack. Become a BJR Member in 2025 >> https://www.bradjonesracing.com.au/bjr-memberships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Special Stage Rally Podcast, Luke Whitten catches up with Dean Herridge for a chat full of the big talking points. With the Forest Rally just around the corner, Dean shares his unique insights on the rally and just how the deal with Tom Kristensson came about to drive the team’s Skoda Fabia R5.  The Subaru WRX Challenge is also a key point in this podcast, and he shares how it’s shaping up, especially given Toby Price on the entry list.  Then, the conversation shifts to the WRC and Rally de Portugal, where we ask whether Toyota’s dominance can continue. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of The Brad Jones Racing Run Down, the driver of the #96 Macauley Jones is joined by team owner Brad Jones to wrap up the last few weeks since Taupō and preview this weekend’s racing at Symmons Plains. They chat about what a race team does when there’s no racecars in the workshop, Brad’s first ever trip to a zoo, the new Dunlop soft tyre, whether different manufacturers having different ‘tracks’ is what parity should look like, and the potential for a New Zealand double-header. Brad, the 1994/95 Australian NASCAR Champion, also shares his take on Shane van Gisbergen’s performance so far in his maiden full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series. Become a BJR Member in 2025 >> https://www.bradjonesracing.com.au/bjr-memberships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brendan Reeves and Mitch Newton join Luke Whitten on the Special Stage Rally Podcast to talk about the week’s news and also give a valuable lesson on ‘blind’ rallying. Reeves and Newton give their tips and tricks on driving and co-driving on route chart rallies – a style that is a large part of the Australian rallying calendar and what most beginners start with. Prior to that, the discussion covers Toby Price, Taylor Gill, and the Ada River and South Canterbury rallies. Special Stage is produced for the Motorsport Podcast Network by RallySport Magazine >> https://rallysportmag.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices