Activ RallySport driver, Justin Dowel, has increased his lead in the 2014 Victorian Rally Championship with victory in round two, the Marysville Stages.
Driving his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X with a new PPG six-speed sequential gearbox, Dowel and co-driver Scott Spedding won the event by nearly three minutes.
It was the pair’s second win from as many rounds of the 2014 championship, and strengthens their grip on the series.
Justin Dowel heads for victory in the Marysville Stages. (Photo: John Doutch)“While I’d still love to be contesting the Australian Championship, the reality is that my current work commitments mean I can’t do that,” Dowel said.
“So to be competing in the Victorian Championship is the next best thing, and allows me to do what I love the most, and that’s driving a rally car.
“I’m really enjoying the series and loving the competition as the current state competitors have welcomed us back to the series warmly, and the roads that we have here in Victoria have been awesome to drive on. It’s a real credit to the organisers.”
Already a three-time Victorian Champion, Dowel is driving an ex-Gaurav Gill Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X this year, and for the Marysville Stages the car ran without a turbo restrictor, and with the new PPG gearbox fitted.
More enjoyable to drive than in Group N trim, Dowel is thrilled with the performance of the car.
“To be honest, we probably went faster in the first round as the unrestricted car is a little harder to drive and does not hold its lines as well, due to the increased power compared to Group N trim. However, with the PPG sequential gearbox we have amazing reliability and the car is a dream to drive.
“The Evo X is not as nimble as the Evo IX, but it’s more stable on the road and provides more confidence.
“Running the car without the restrictor puts less stress on the engine and reduces our fuel costs, plus it’s a lot more exciting and fun to drive, so it’s a win-win situation,” he added.
Round three of the Victorian Rally Championship is the East Gippsland Stages on May 3.
Final results, Marysville Stages
1. Justin Dowel / Scott Spedding, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, 1h37m53s
2. Franco Liucci / Niall Gavin, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI, 1h40m45s
3. Alan Friend/ Michelle Canning, Nissan Silvia, 1h41m41s
4. Viv Dilkes-Frayne / Tracey Dewhurst, Subaru Impreza WRX, 1h41m45s
5. Grant Walker / Steph Richards, Ford Escort RS1800, 1h42m37s
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