The company which saved the National Capital Rally from the brink of collapse collapse say they didn't do it for commercial gain, but to preserve Canberra's culture.
After a decade-long hiatus, the NRC made a triumphant return to Canberra last year but was set to be dumped again for financial reasons.
An 11th-hour sponsorship deal with Canberra IT firm Netier and an ACT government grant ensured the Australian Rally Championship returned to the capital in 2018.
Netier managing director Gordon Hayes said the company supported Canberra racer Harry Bates and was a minor sponsor last year, but felt a responsibility to take it a step further this year.
"We were involved in a small part last year as a minor sponsor and wed had some involvement with Harry Bates over the last couple of seasons," Hayes said.
"We were really impressed with the organisation of the rally, its run entirely by volunteers and for us, making sure an event like this can continue in Canberra, is supporting the community that supports us.
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"It hasnt been done for a commercial gain… were really just trying to support an event we enjoy being part of and that we really think adds to the culture of Canberra."
Hayes admits he wasn't a rally man until a colleague mentioned the NCR was about to go under, and said it was up to companies like his to "step up and fill the void".
"Its absolutely critical to keep events like this in Canberra, Im Canberra born and bred and I think having different events like this makes Canberra such an enjoyable place," Hayes said.
"Its one of the reasons I love living here. Were a Canberra born and bred company and are happy to support Canberra-based businesses.
"It would be fantastic to see one of the home-grown boys win it, Harry has been fantastic this season and it would be great to see him get up."
Bates will be defending his title at Kowen Forest and Tidbinbilla this weekend and all signs points to showdown between the local favourite and Eli Evans.
The Canberra won the opening round of the ARC season in Victoira before Evans swapped cars to a Skoda Fabia R5 and took the honours at the second round in Western Australia.
Bates said was a real "buzz" to compete in front of family and friends and believes he's made the required modifications to his turbocharged Yaris AP4 to oust Evans.
"We all know Eli has jumped into a quicker car and it wasnt really a big surprise for us to see him the Skoda for this event again, at the end of the day it is one of the best cars in the world," Bates said.
"I just love the roads here, they're a massive challenge and it's two very different days, almost like two rallies in one and you have to be really on it from the start."
Evans conceded he had to make some dramatic changes after the opening round and is hoping to upset the home town favourite.
"We had to make some vast improvements because we really struggled for pace in round one, Harry and [co-driver] Steve Glenney were too fast for us and I had no answers," Evans said.
"We leased the skoda R5 which is a proven World Rally Championship car…. I feel privileged to get the opportunity to drive it and I'll try and do it justice and drive as fast as I can and win this event.
"For sure I'm feeling the pressure though, Harry is at his home event and will be feeling confident here. The Yaris is continually improving.
"Competition is going to be super tight. We tried really hard in Perth and got the result we wanted but we think its going to be a lot closer here."
Eamonn Tiernan is a sports reporter with The Canberra Times
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