However, in a change from their usual pairing, both Dowel and Lee will drive in the event, in a two-car Activ RallySport assault on this year’s state title. Activ RallySport are currently building a pair of Toyota Celica GT-Fours (pictured) to run in the Victorian Championship, however a delay on parts arriving for the two cars means that Dowel and Lee will drive vastly different machines in the Ballarat-based event.
Dowel, with former Victorian Championship winning co-driver, Scott Spedding, in the left hand seat, will drive his trusty Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 and will be aiming for outright victory in the event.
Lee, on the other hand, will drive his rear-wheel drive Holden Commodore, with his brother, Jeff Lee, calling the corners, before being joined by the experienced Cathy Rainer for the remainder of the season.
“It’s going to be great to go out and support our state championship and have some fun,” Dowel said.
“It’s probably not going to be until round three of the series that we can debut the two Celicas, but in the meantime Matt and I are really looking forward to getting back on the gravel.”
After winning their maiden national championship last year, Activ RallySport are not defending their title, deciding instead to spend the year focussing on business commitments before returning to the ARC in 2013..
They will spend time deciding which car to run in the new 2WD-only ARC next year, then develop and test the car thoroughly prior to the new season.
Rather than being disappointed at missing their title defence, Dowel stresses that it’s great that Lee is now able to spend a full season behind the wheel.
“After nine seasons of Matt putting his driving aspirations second, he will now have the opportunity to spend a season doing what he loves whilst Activ RallySport builds it's new G2 car for the 2013 ARC season.
“And I know once we’re both in the Celicas I’ll be the driver he most wants to beat,” Dowel added.
The 2012 Begonia Rally is round one of the Exedy Victorian Rally Championship, and will provide competitors with 175 kilometres of stages.
Further information on the event, including spectator details, can be obtained at www.vicrally.com.au
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