The move is not a surprise, with Windus flagging his intention to step back into a Fiesta from early in the season; however, the privateer has locked in the arrangements, which will see him return to the S2000 car from coates Rally Queensland.
“The deal has been talked about for a while now, so it’s great that I can finally say it’s locked in,” Windus said. “It’s taken a lot of work to get to this point, but the car is definitely worth it.”
In a great boost for the ARC, the return of the Fiesta will see four S2000 cars out in the forest. TRD drivers Neal Bates and Simon Evans, both in Corollas, and ARC newcomer Marius Swart in a S2000 VW Polo will be competing against Windus for S2000 honours.
“Hopefully the Fiesta will help us bridge the gap to Simon (Evans) as there is a considerable difference between the Group N and S2000s,” Windus added. “The S2000 is far more nimble and you can really throw it around, which was undoubtedly a huge advantage for the Toyota boys in Canberra.
“We achieved our first ever ARC podium in Canberra, which was an awesome achievement for the team, and the aim is for us to be on the podium every round for the remainder of the season. The S2000 will give us that extra edge over the rest of the field and that will make our goal far more attainable.”
The arrangement with Britek Motorsport, who ran the Ford team in 2007, includes the S2000 Fiesta, parts back up for the remainder of the season and two crew members, drawn from the rally service crew that helped to develop the Fiesta last year.
“The deal is about more than just a car, it is a complete package which will make the rest of the season a lot easier to manage,” Windus said. “The S2000 is obviously a little different to run than a Group N car, so having the extra support from crew that were with us from the start last year will be an advantage.”
General Manager for Britek Motorsport, Chris Jewell, is pleased an agreement has been reached that will see the Fiesta out in the forest again and with the second S2000 Fiesta still available, the opportunity exists for someone to run alongside Windus as part of a two car team for the remainder of the season.
“Britek is delighted to be able to provide Darren with the S2000 Fiesta for the remaining rounds of the ARC,” Jewell said. “I’m sure the car will be a welcome addition to the field and the fans will again enjoy the sight and sound of the car. Darren drove the car very well last year and we’re looking to run at the pointy end from the outset. I hope the return of the car will generate interest in the second, identical car that is nearing completion at our workshop.”
Windus is encouraging anyone interested in the opportunity of a two car team to contact him directly.
“These cars (S2000s) are just so much fun to drive. If you get the opportunity to get in one, you have to take it. We are in the position to run a two car team, so if there is someone out there who wants to step up, Britek still has another car available.”
Windus will be supported by Japanese Wholesale Spares, Ground Force Truck Rentals, Hogs Breath Cafe and Coachman Motor Homes for the remainder of his 2008 ARC campaign.
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