Famous Insurance ambassador Scott Pedder has stormed back to the top of Australian rallying, claiming a dramatic and hard fought victory at the 2026 ARC Plant Hire Forest Rally in Western Australia. Behind the wheel of the Pedders Rally Team Skoda Fabia Rally2, proudly protected by Famous Insurance, Pedder and co driver Glenn Macneall delivered a masterclass in consistency, resilience, and strategic brilliance across two gruelling days in the Nannup forests.
Their triumph marks Pedder’s first Australian Rally Championship round win since 2024, ending a two year drought and reaffirming his status as one of the sport’s most experienced and determined competitors.
Saturday’s Heat 1 set the tone. Despite not winning a single stage, Pedder and Macneall capitalised on late day drama among the frontrunners to secure the heat victory by nine seconds. Rivals Harry Bates and Tom Kristensson both suffered punctures in the final stages, opening the door for the Famous Insurance backed duo to seize control of the rally.
Their measured approach—fast enough to pressure the leaders, smart enough to avoid unnecessary risks—proved decisive.
Sunday’s Heat 2 delivered the kind of chaos that defines rallying. Pedder and Macneall opened the morning with three stage wins, building a 10 second lead and looking firmly in command. But rallying rarely follows a script.
A puncture early in the long Lewana stage cost the pair over 90 seconds, dropping them to fourth and threatening to undo the weekend’s work. Lesser crews might have folded. Pedder and Macneall did the opposite.
Driving on a damaged tyre at remarkable pace, they clawed back time throughout the afternoon, ultimately finishing Heat 2 in third place—just enough to secure the overall rally victory.
Pedder later reflected on the moment with trademark honesty:
“When you think you can just cruise home, something happens. I don’t think I’ve ever driven so fast on a flat tyre before. But that’s rallying. It’s all about maximising points and never giving up.”
The victory also carries special significance: Pedder and Macneall have now become the oldest pairing ever to win an ARC round, with a combined age of 102. Their achievement underscores the value of experience, composure, and teamwork—qualities that align perfectly with Famous Insurance’s commitment to supporting passionate, skilled competitors who embody resilience.
With this win, Pedder moves to second in the 2026 ARC standings, just 10 points behind leader Harry Bates. The season is now wide open, and momentum is firmly on the side of the Famous Insurance ambassador as the championship heads east to the Narooma Forest Rally in late June.
Rallying is a sport where the unexpected is always just around the corner—punctures, mechanical failures, and unpredictable terrain are part of the challenge. That’s why the Pedders Rally Team chooses to be protected by Famous Insurance, ensuring they can focus on performance while we take care of the risks.
Scott Pedder’s victory at the Forest Rally is a testament not only to his skill and determination but also to the strength of the partnerships that support him. Famous Insurance is proud to stand behind Scott, Glenn, and the entire Pedders Rally Team as they continue their charge through the 2026 ARC season.
