Eighteen-year old rallycross star, Troy Dowel, will make a miraculous return to competition next month when he contests the first round of the Australian Rally Championship in WA.
Dowel, who is facing a difficult struggle as he battles to overcome a rare form of leukaemia, is expected to take the wheel of his father's Hyundai i20 for the event.
It would be a remarkable return to the driver's seat for Dowel, who had to abandon his assault on last year's Rallycross Academy in Europe following his shock diagnosis.
Troy's father Justin, the 2011 Australian Rally Champion, told RallySport Magazine that there were still a few boxes to tick, but that he was confident Troy would be in WA.
"Troy has a four week break from chemotherapy before starting the final, gruelling, 10 week course," Justin said.
"His body has recovered a little bit, and he's already hit the gym to try and build some fitness and to regain some of the muscle that he's lost due to the treatment."
Troy Dowel will return to the driver's seat at the Forest Rally.
The younger Dowel has already been on the simulator to get his driving back to speed, and will test the Hyundai i20 on Tuesday.
"This opportunity has given Troy a real boost," Justin added.
"The doctors have given him the green light to compete if his next blood test comes back okay.
"I'm more than happy to give up my seat in the car for Troy."
Troy has taken positive steps forward in recent weeks with his last chemo program not taking such a hit on his body.
"We have also had some positive news on a new genetic trial drug helping to contain the size of his tumour in bone marrow tests, so if he comes out of remission there are now treatment options for him," he said.
While he still has a long way to go, Justin is confident that this can be the catalyst for Troy to get his competition career underway again.
"The next phase of chemo is the most intense of the lot, and will be very tough on him," Justin said.
"It involves injecting straight into the spine, but Troy has shown tremendous strength and courage so far, and this is just another hurdle to conquer."
He will form part of a four-car Activ RallySport team at the Forest Rally, which also includes Richie Dalton (Ford Fiesta), JJ Hatton (Hyundai i20) and Darren Windus (Subaru WRX).
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