AFL star Charlie Dixon and Bathurst 1000 winner Todd Hazelwood are set to team up behind the wheel of a seriously impressive Ford Mustang Dark Horse when the Shannons Adelaide Rally returns to South Australia this October.
The pair will share driving duties in the new high-performance Mustang during the Prima Tour on Friday, October 16th, joining a booked-out field of motoring enthusiasts for the opening four stages of the 2026 rally.
The appearance is thanks to Ford Australia, with the 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse set to make its Adelaide Rally debut after also appearing at the 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000.
And with two serious car lovers taking the wheel, the Mustang is in very capable hands.
Adelaide local Todd Hazelwood claimed victory at the 2024 Bathurst 1000 and is a two-time Trans Am Series champion behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang. He also drives for legendary Ford outfit Dick Johnson Racing in the endurance events of the Repco Supercars Championship.
Joining him is former AFL star Charlie Dixon, who played more than 200 games during his football career and is now the face of Drivin’ With Dixon, one of Australia’s biggest car communities.
Under the bonnet, the Mustang Dark Horse packs plenty of punch, with its upgraded 5.0-litre naturally aspirated Coyote V8 producing 350kW and 550Nm of torque.
The track-focused seventh-generation Mustang also features MagneRide suspension, Brembo brakes and auxiliary oil coolers, with drivers able to choose between a 10-speed automatic or Tremec six-speed manual transmission.
While the Prima Tour is untimed, participants will still get the chance to experience some of the rally’s famous closed-road stages alongside the Dark Horse.
The 2026 Shannons Adelaide Rally will take over Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills from October 16th to 18th, with almost 500 cars expected to take part across competitive, timed, touring and untimed categories.
Across the three-day event, drivers will tackle 30 closed-road stages throughout Adelaide and the Hills, while spectators can get in on the action at dedicated viewing areas and street parties.
This year’s program includes spectator stages at Strathalbyn, Wairoa between Aldgate and Stirling, Mount Lofty and more, alongside the new King William Road Street Party and North Adelaide Finale.
Shannons Adelaide Rally Prima Tour
When: Friday, October 16th
Where: Beaumont, Eagle on the Hill, Knotts Hill and Cherryville
For more information, click here.
