Fast action on Marine Drive as Auto One Albany Rallysprint returns for 2024

They will be coming around the mountain once again at the weekend as the Auto One Albany Rallysprint returns after a year’s absence.

The event, organised by Tarmac Events, is set to attract keen drivers from Perth as well eager locals keen to push themselves and their cars to the limit.

Tarmac Events’ Ross Tapper said he was excited to bring racing back to Albany after there was no event held in 2023.

“We’re certainly looking forward to it so hopefully we have some nice weather and a pleasant weekend down in Albany,” he said

“Numbers are still going up and down bit at the moment, but those that come down will enjoy it and we’ll put on a good show.”

Competitors in the Albany Rallysprint on Monday will race against the clock from Middleton Beach to just beyond Apex Drive via Marine Drive and Forts Road.

They will each get five runs of the course which is just short of 3km, with the first runs scheduled from 9am and driving set to continue throughout the day.

“There will be spectator area along Middleton Beach through to Three Anchors, or they can walk up the boardwalk to the lookout further up the stage,” Mr Tapper said.

A variety of market stalls will also be operating at Middleton Beach, including food and coffee vendors.

A day before competitors race up Marine Drive, they will test themselves over a 3.5km stretch of Quaranup Road.

The Quaranup sprint and rallysprint events were first added to the weekend’s schedule in 2022 and are set to make a triumphant return, but Mr Tapper said there would be limited opportunities for spectators to watch on.

“We don’t encourage spectators to go out there because there is nowhere to park and it becomes awkward,” he said.

“We really encourage people to come down to Middleton Beach on Monday morning.”

The Quaranup events will run from 9am to 4pm on Sunday March 3, followed by the Albany Rallysprint on Monday March 4 from 11am to 4pm.

Road closures will be in effect during the events.