23-year old Ballarat driver, Arron Windus, is the 2019 Victorian Rally Champion after securing the title at the final round last weekend.
Driving his Western Victorian Crane Trucks supported Subaru Impreza WRX, Windus and co-driver, Daniel Brick, just needed to finish the first heat of the Akademos Rally to secure their first state crown.
They did that comfortably, winning the heat and completing a dominant season that saw them clearly the fastest crew in the state.
"It's a big relief to finally get the championship after a really competitive season," Windus said.
"We had a poor start to the year with some mechanical failures, but the car has performed faultlessly in recent events and has enabled us to really show the speed we are capable of."
Windus, who spent a season rallying in the UK in 2016, has clearly established himself as one of Australia's fastest young rally drivers, with a big future ahead of him.
Arron Windus is the 2019 Victorian Rally Champion driver. Photo: Peter Whitten
“It’s a massive effort and I am super proud of everyone and very thankful to our sponsors," he added.
"It’s been a mega effort to pull it off."
The state championship victory was overshadowed a little when Windus slid wide on a fast corner in the second heat, damaging the rear suspension.
The car was too badly damaged to continue, but with the title secured, there was still time for celebrations on Sunday night.
Arron's father, Darren Windus, also contested the rally in a Subaru Impreza WRX, finishing strongly to take second place in the rally.
It had been a tough year for Darren, who had finished only one rally after a string of unlucky mechanical problems.
Darren Windus finished the season in strong form, finishing second. Photo: Peter Whitten
His consistent run through the eight Akademos Rally stages, near Alexandra in the state's north east, proved that he's still right on the pace of the leading crews.
"To get to the end of a rally with no problems was a real relief," Darren said.
"It's fair to say we haven't had the best year, but to finish with a podium place is pleasing, and a credit to the Activ Rallysport team who have toiled hard all year."
The rally was won outright by Sydney-based Irishman Richie Dalton in a Ford Fiesta.
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