The Vanuatu Rally Championship made a comeback after a three year lapse. Photo: Facebook / Vanuatu RALLY Championship
The Vanuatu Rally Championship (VRC) is a critical part of sports tourism in the country, helping lift the local economy around the host provinces and the nation.
Public Relations Officer Antonio Korikalo said hosting the event in different parts of the country continues to assist the local economies while also lifting the interest in the sport.
The 2024 VRC was held in Efate last weekend, with three different race tracks used, including the Korman Stadium site.
Korikalo said the rally, which made a comeback after a three-year break, keeps on growing every year.
"The rally helps boost tourism and brings in economic benefits to the host provinces and cities," he said.
"There is growing interest because everyone loves to watch car racing, from the very young to the older generations.
"And we are excited that motor sport in Vanuatu continues to grow."
The event attracted teams from New Caledonia also, with New Zealand teams registered not being able to make it across.
One of the race venues, the Korman Stadium, attracted a lot of interest, as fans could watch the local football competition matches at the same while watching the car race.
"It was exciting and interesting. The first time really we had done that, fans just sitting at the stadium and watching," he said.
The organisers had the track running outside the stadium.
Vanuatu Car Rally winners: Pierre Brunet Racing (first place), Tamafira RALLY Team (second place), and Arnaud Russet & Thomas Garin (third place). Photo: Facebook / Vanuatu RALLY Championship
The other two race courses were at the Eton Special Stage, which had a three kilometre and a seven kilometre course plus the 12km Special Stage at Dry Creek.
"The different courses added different challenges to the drivers and the teams."
Fifteen teams had registered for the event, but some teams had to miss out because of safety issues.
"We were tough on safety and that was important," Korikalo said.
In the end it was the Pierre Brunet Racing team that took out overall winner's title, followed by Tamafira Rally Team and third place went to the team of Arnaud Russet and Thomas Garin.
Korikalo said despite the weather, which cancelled some races, the event was still successful.
He said the support of sponsors was a key and they were also thankful to all the volunteers, all the organisers, the public and fans around Efate.
"This event wouldn't have been possible without our sponsors, that have contributed to bring you this rally event, and to all those who worked hard to make it happen," he added.
There is plan to stage the next event on Santo Island, as the Rally continues to work with the communities.
"No definites yet but that is the plan at this stage."