The Warragul based event is the final showdown in the Premier League class where local hero Derek Renyolds leads Charlie by a few points, with Mick Patton from Canberra also in contention.
After mechanical DNFs in Western Australia and Queensland the season looked over for the Irish Team, but a class win in South Australia and again in the Coffs Coast Rally has brought the Premier title down to the wire in Victoria. It's winner takes all and Drake is relishing the battle.
"I'm really looking forward to this weekend and the battle between ourselves Derek and Mick. It's Derek's home rally and we have never rallied in Victoria, so to pip Derek in his backyard will be a good effort.
"I have been so busy leading up to the rally I haven't really had time to get nervous or feel any pressure and I'm sure driving out to stage 1 there will be some butterflies, but once the gloves are put on and the belts are tightened, I'll switch to rally mode," Drake said.
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Rally Victoria will also see Jim Gleeson jump into the Dashsport Evo , the third different co-driver Drake has had this season. Regular co-driver, Ben Atkinson, was un available due to business commitments.
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"I'm delighted to have Jim sit in with me for this rally. Ben is tied up with a new business venture so to have someone of Jim's experience in the car for such an important round is great. I have learnt so much off Ben in the time we spent in the car, not just about notes but also on driving.
"His advice after stages on little areas of improvements in my driving style has made a huge difference in our times. We were 0.2 of a second off a top 3 overall stage time on the last stage in Coffs, which tells a story in itself. So now with all what I've learnt this season I don't see there being any problems with a new co-driver, plus Jim has sat in with the best in Australia, so we'll be right."
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Drake will have familiar faces in the crowd for this weekend's rally, as most of his family are travelling out from Ireland for his wedding, which takes place the Saturday after the rally. It will be a big seven days for Drake.
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"It will be a week to remember that's for sure. Hopefully we can grab the Australian Premier/Privateers title and then focus on the big day next Saturday. It would be something very special to me to win the title, especially in front of my Dad and my family.
"In saying that, what will be will be and if Derek or Mick beat us so be it.They're nice guys so I'm sure we will all have a beer together on Saturday night."
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