Coral Taylor Makes Australian Rally Championship History With 36th Career Win

September 1, 2023

© Copyright: Jack Martin Photography

Toyota Australia is thrilled to announce and commemorate a monumental milestone in the world of rallying as Coral Taylor secures her place as the record holder for the most wins in the Australian Rally Championship (ARC).

As a co-driver with 2019 ARC winner Harry Bates, Coral won a second consecutive race over the weekend, taking out the Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally ahead of championship leaders and defending champions Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin.

Coral’s 36^th win sees her eclipse the late rally legend Peter “Possum” Bourne who won seven consecutive Australian Rally Championships from 1996 to 2002, along with three Asia-Pacific Rally Championships in 1993, 1994 and 2000.

Coral Taylor’s dedication, skill, and unwavering passion have propelled her to this historic milestone, marking a new era of dominance in the Australian rally scene. Over the course of her distinguished career spanning more than three decades, Coral has established herself as an integral part of the Toyota Australia family and a true icon in the motorsport community.

Coral’s start in rallying can be traced back to 1979 when she entered her first competition with her father, and progressed her hobby for racing into a full-time career. Since then, her records include winning the championship with Harry and Lewis’s father Neal Bates in 1993, ‘94, ‘95 and 2008 while also taking out the Targa Tasmania in 1995 and the Australian Classic Rally Championship in 2012, ’13, ’14 and ‘16.

Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer Vin Naidoo said he was extremely proud of Coral’s achievements, with her having been a fantastic ambassador for Toyota Motorsport in Australia over multiple decades.

“Coral Taylor is truly a legend of Australian motorsport, and this achievement is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence and the determination to overcome challenges,” Mr Naidoo said.

“We at Toyota Australia are thrilled for Coral and her incredible record and would like to extend a hearty congratulations and thank you for being such a brilliant representative of Toyota Australia – Coral’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come!”

Coral and Harry Bates so far remain the only crew to secure a second win for the 2023 ARC season, also piloting their Toyota GR Yaris AP4 to victory at the Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland.

The pair now sit second overall in the 2023 ARC standings on 333 points, chasing the pairing of Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin on 348.

Two races remain in the ARC season, with the Adelaide Hills Rally from October 13-15 and the National Capital Rally from November 18-19 to close out the 2023 calendar.

Toyota Australia look forward to watching Coral continue to build on her Motorsport legacy, as well as serving as a source of inspiration and pride for fans and aspiring racers alike.