
Photo Credit: CMR Photographic
Irish Rally Icon Frank Kelly to Join Lazer Rally of the Bay Field in Spectacular Australian Return
The 2025 Shamrock Haulage NSW Rally Championship just got a serious dose of international flavour, with Irish rally legend Frank Kelly confirming he will contest the Lazer Rally of the Bay on August 2, bringing his legendary 1977 Ford Escort Mk2 “Baby Blue” to the forests of Batemans Bay.
This exciting development follows Kelly’s standout visit to Australian rallying at the Forest Rally in Western Australia, where he competed in Round Two of the EROAD Australian Rally Championship. Kelly and daughter/co-driver Lauren impressed with their pace and determination in the 2WD Classic Cup, thrilling fans with their trademark flamboyant style and sideways action.
The NSW rally community has rallied (pun intended) to make Frank’s Rally of the Bay drive possible. A passionate group of fans, local businesses, and motorsport supporters have come together to transport Frank and Baby Blue across from Perth, WA for one of the most anticipated events on the NSW rally calendar.
“It’s a real honour to be back in Australia and to now be heading to the east coast for a second rally this year is just incredible,” said Kelly. “The welcome we’ve received has been amazing—and I hear the Batemans Bay stages are fast and flowing, just how we like them!”
Frank’s entry into the Lazer Rally of the Bay has sent ripples through the rally scene, with several top contenders now looking to test themselves against the Irish master. Among those tipped to compete are:
- Neal Bates – Australian rally royalty, fresh off a strong showing at the Bega Valley Rally, and hungry to trade times with Kelly in classic machinery.
- Luke Sytema – A rising star from Victoria who’ll be in a similarly prepped Ford Escort, determined to mix it with the best.
- Brendan Reeves – A seasoned rally driver with international experience, Reeves has competed in the WRC Academy and secured the 2013 Rally America 2WD title. In 2023, he clinched the Victorian 2WD Rally Championship, showcasing his prowess in both modern and classic rally vehicles.
And of course, the local Irish contenders such as:
- Tom Dermody – A standout in the East Coast Classic Rally Series, the Queenslander is strongly considering throwing his hat in the ring to take on Kelly in the forests of the Bay.
- Michael O’Hagan – A seasoned NSW competitor, O’Hagan is renowned for his consistent performances in the Classic category, piloting his Ford Escort Mk2 with precision and flair. He stands as one of the top-ranked Classic drivers in the state, making him a formidable contender in 2025.
- Sean McAloon – A prominent figure in the NSW rally scene, McAloon is known for his skilful driving of the Ford Escort Mk2. He ranks among the top competitors in the state and at the recent Bega Valley Rally, McAloon impressed with a standout performance, setting the second quickest time on one of the stages, an incredible feat in a classic car
Commercial and PR Manager of the North Shore Sporting Car Club, Brett Middleton, said, “Having someone of Frank’s stature come all the way from Ireland to compete in Batemans Bay is a testament to the reputation our event and our championship now hold. It’s exciting not just for competitors, but for fans too. This is must-see rallying.”
The Lazer Rally of the Bay will again feature classic Eurobodalla stages and a vibrant event hub at Club Catalina, with the Batemans Bay Marina Resort serving as the official accommodation partner. The event is also Round 4 of the 2025 Shamrock Haulage NSW Rally Championship and is expected to draw a bumper field of entries across all categories.
Entries for the Lazer Rally of the Bay will open soon.