Evans, driving the potent 2WD Honda Civic Type R and partnered by co-driver Glen Weston were judged winners of the award after they finished fifth on heat one and captured third on heat two to take fourth overall behind three four wheel drive turbos.
Third place on heat two meant that Evans became the first driver of a two wheel drive car to take a podium in an ARC heat since the late 1980s, which only serves to highlight the growing skill of Evans.
He put in a gritty and determined effort on what is the fastest rally on the ARC calendar to outpace many more powerful all wheel drive machines.
Evans' drive was marked as much by its consistency as his speed, avoiding trouble on the high speed stages that claimed many other competitors over the two day rally.
"It's fantastic to have won the Kumho Future Champions Award especially after our early woes in the championship at the opening round in Tasmania and I would like to thank Kumho for recognising our efforts," said Eli Evans.
"The stages in South Australia are great and really suit our Honda, the last stage in particular was really enjoyable, 34 kilometres and we're in top gear at 185 at five or six different points in the stage, that's how fast it is," Eli said.
"I really enjoyed it, we just kept it steady when the corners were tightening up. Once we crossed that finishing line it was big smiles," he said.
"The eight tyres we have won as part of the Kumho award are going to come in handy as we head to the next round in Queensland and we really appreciate the recognition Kumho has given us with this award," he added.
The Kumho Future Champions Award is judged by Kumho and ARC management based on the ARC team which has shown the most professionalism, performance, determination and potential to become future Australian Rally Champions.
According to Kumho Motorsport coordinator John Mills said Eli Evans was judged as the winner of the Award in South Australia because of the speed and consistency he showed and his effort in capturing a podium in an ARC heat as well as the professionalism he and his team showed.
The Kumho Future Champions Award has been designed to acknowledge ARC drivers efforts and give them the encouragement and incentive to continue in what is a demanding and expensive sport.
As control tyre supplier, Kumho is putting its backing into the Australian Rally Championship with a reduction in the cost of tyres, encouragement awards and a significant rights fees going to the sport, Kumho's commitment to rallying is by far the largest commercial backing for the sport this year.
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