Special Stage: SA-bound World Rally Champion & an affordability debate

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