It’s been a stellar year for Windus with the Western Victorian Crane Trucks Subaru Impreza WRX driver enjoying a number of victories and podiums throughout the season – his most impressive result being at last month’s Valley Stages.

 

The victory was a remarkable effort from the youngster, who alongside co-driver Daniel Brick, secured a clean sweep of stage wins to dominate the penultimate round and make it two consecutive round wins. 

 

 

Despite needing only to finish the MRF Tyres Akadamos Rally's first heat in the top 10 to secure his maiden title, Windus is not getting carried away and is focused on just finishing the event most likely to be in difficult and wet conditions

 

"We've got a strong lead in the championship, but we need to finish the first heat to get the job done," Windus said.

 

"We'll be aiming to cruise through the first four stages of the rally to win the championship, and then we can hopefully pin the ears back and have some fun later in the day.

 

“All but one of the rallies this year has been wet, and that was up north at Batemans Bay but the car works really well on the Hoosier tyres in the wet.

 

“I'm really looking forward to finishing the season on a strong note.”

 

While Windus’ victory would be a feel-good story for the competition, there are a number of crews within the 38-car entry list hoping to prevent the title race from being over so quickly. 

 

Headlining that list are Justin Walker and co-driver Blaise McNamara, who currently sit in second place after applying all sorts of pressure on the leaders throughout the year. 

 

 

However for the duo to be considered for the title, they will need somewhat of a miracle, which begins with winning their first round since the Ada River Rally with maximum points and hope Windus falters early on. 

 

In third place on the standings, Warren Lee and Ivan Regester are also a chance of securing a victory, but it would only act as compensation as their chances for the championship seem just a pipe dream at this point in time. 

 

Other drivers who are also out of contention, yet still may prevent the leader from making it three consecutive round wins include Richie Dalton in the Ford Fiesta Proto and last year’s round winner Matt Lee.

 

Taking place around the Black Range and Blue Range Forests, crews will tackle around 160 competitive kilometres across two heats made up of eight stages.

 

There will be only one spectator point available for rally fans, with the cars to make two passes of the Black Range Forest, allowing spectators solid views of the championship. 

 

The MRF Tyres Akadamos Rally be run around the forests of Black Range and Blue Range Forests on Sunday, 20 October.