Queenslanders Ryan Smart and John Allen have successfully maintained their lead in the 2011 Bosch Australian Rally Championship in Heat One of the final Round in Warragul, Victoria today.
Smart and Allen finished Heat One in second position 10.8 seconds behind four time Australian Rally Champions Simon and Sue Evans, who have come out of retirement to compete in their home round.
Championship rivals Justin Dowel and Matt Lee rounded out the top three for the heat today after a spin over the finish line on the first stage of the day. Smart and Allen’s Championship lead has extended to 10.5 points ahead of Dowel and Lee giving them some breathing room heading into the final heat of the championship tomorrow.
“Last year Becc and I were off the pace and I wanted to prove that I could be fast down here (in Victoria) as well and that’s exactly what we’ve done. It gives us a lot of confidence heading into tomorrow. I’m happy with what we’ve done today” Ryan said at the final service today.
“We beat Justin fair and square today in the stages where he had a clean run. I’m looking forward to some good racing with Justin tomorrow.”
“It’s all come down to the final day, we’re excited, bring it on!” Co-driver John Allen added.
The final heat of the championship kicks off at 6:40am Saturday Morning with 136km competitive and the final stage in front of spectators at Lardner Park in Warragul.
Rally Victoria Heat One Results
1. Evans/Evans 48:01.1
2. Smart/Allen +00:10.8
3. Dowel/Lee +00:54.7
2011 Bosch Australian Rally Championship Points
1. Smart/Allen 301
2. Dowel/Lee 290.5
3. Shepheard/McCarthy 199.5
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