Forty-two competitors are set to enter the event with a wide range of driver skill and vehicle capability. Up the front end of the field will be 2011 Australian Rally Champion Justin Dowel in his hi octane S2000 VW Polo.
Justin Dowel’s VW Polo Super 2000.The international specification car was originally designed and built in South Africa for the World Rally Championship, but is now Dowels choice of vehicle as he tries to catch up on the Championship leading Subaru WRX of Darren Windus.
“I intended to start the the championship in this car, but Mark Pedder needed a car for the Australian Championship whilst he waited for his car to arrive,” Dowel said.
“I got a chance to drive it last year, and it’s been the most exciting car to drive yet. It’s challenging and fun to drive, and also is an really exciting car to watch, and I’m really looking forward to Sunday. I haven’t tested in the car, and it’s been over a year since driving it, so we’ll see how we go up against Darren.”
The battle for outright won’t we easy for Darren, as a strong field of experience will be making the most of the safety noted event. ARC regular Alan Roe has recently aquired a Mitsubishi Evolution 9, and will be out to stretch the legs, as he paces himself against the Kaiser Baas Evo 9 of Wal Lee, with the likes of Tod Reed, Wayne Stewart and Viv Dilkes-Frayne all jumping at the opportunity to take advantage of their mis-fortunes.
The two wheel drive championship will also be hotly contested, as they keep the faster turbo 4wd cars honest. Bendigo resident and multiple Two Wheel Drive Champion Brian Semmens will have to work hard to fend of the hard charging and spectacular Andrew Bell in the crowd pleasing Holden Commodore. Known for his full commitment and sideways style, Bell will be keen to make his mark and fend of the young gun and first time VRC competitor Cary Seabrook in the Datsun Stanza.
Andrew Murdoch currently leads the OurAuto Rally Series.Further down the field in the OurAuto Rally Series, Australian Junior Champion Glen Raymond will be keeping a close eye on the times of series leader Andrew Murdoch, has he fends off Gippslander Rob McKerlie. The tightly control category is designed for the budget concientious competitors, and remains a cost effective form of motorsport, with limited changes allowed to vehicles ensure cost do not spiral out of control. Don’t be fooled though, the guys and girls including Rose North will be out to push as hard as they are can!