Justin Dowel and Arron Windus have taken AWD and 2WD honours respectively in Round 3 of the RXAus rallycross series at Stanthorpe’s Carnell Raceway.
Justin Dowel (Hyundai i20) claimed a hard-fought victory over Will Orders (Mitsubishi Lancer) in the AWD Super Final, in a race which went all the way down to the joker laps.
The pair had run side-by-side to the second corner but Justin Dowel took the lead courtesy of a better exit.
“That was 110%, I gave it everything I had,” said Justin Dowel.
“This is rallycross; you have to be full aggressive, full commitment to every corner, and don’t make any mistakes.
“That was the plan, and I only made one tiny error on the entry to the joker lap. It wouldn’t go down to second (gear), and I thought ‘I’m in a bit of trouble here’.
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“I pushed harder to make it up, and we got away with the win.
Troy Dowel (VW Polo) was third in the Super Final, and bagged top AWD Production Car and Junior honours for the day.
Earlier, Orders claimed the AWD pole position with a time of 41.05sec, but a mystery mechanical issue allowed Justin Dowel through to claim the opening heat win.
Justin Dowel crossed the line first in the second heat but was penalised 10s for missing his joker lap, relegating him to third behind Orders and Troy Dowel.
Orders then led both the final heat and the Final from start to finish.
In 2WD, Windus (Mazda2) similarly had a day-long battle with Mike Conway (Ford Escort).
“It was awesome; Mike has had the upper hand at the last round back at Marulan against the Mazda,” said Windus.
“It’s a different track, but we tried to turn it up and have a crack.
“It wasn’t easy, so it was great to come away with the win, it was just great racing.”
Troy Dowel (Ford Fiesta) was third in the 2WD Super Final as he performed double duty, with Scott Anderson (VW Polo) in fourth.
Windus had earlier won the first two heats before Conway won the third and also the Final.
In Excel 2WD, Ron Bustard put in a strong showing, despite being the only finisher in the Super Final, as Noel Roger failed to start.
RXAus returns to Marulan for Round 4 on July 29.
Results
Practice
2WD: Mike Conway (Ford Escort) – 0:48.6810sec
AWD: Will Orders (Mitsubishi Lancer) – 0:47.3100sec
Qualifying
2WD: Arron Windus (Mazda 2) – 0:43.4380sec
AWD: Will Orders (Mitsubishi Lancer) – 0:41.0530sec
Heats: Round 1
2WD: Arron Windus (Mazda 2)
AWD: Justin Dowel (Hyundai i20)
Heats: Round 2
2WD: Arron Windus (Mazda 2)
AWD: Will Orders (Mitsubishi Lancer)
Heats: Round 3
2WD: Mike Conway (Ford Escort)
AWD: Will Orders (Mitsubishi Lancer)
Final 2WD
1st – Mike Conway (Ford Escort)
2nd – Arron Windus (Mazda 2)
3rd – Troy Dowel (Ford Fiesta)
Final Excel
1st – Ron Bustard
2nd – Noel Roger
Final AWD
1st – Will Orders (Mitsubishi Lancer)
2nd – Justin Dowel (Hyundai i20)
3rd – Troy Dowel (VW Polo)
Super Final 2WD
1st – Arron Windus (Mazda 2)
2nd – Mike Conway (Ford Escort)
3rd – Troy Dowel (Ford Fiesta)
Super Final Excel
1st – Ron Bustard
Super Final AWD
1st – Justin Dowel
2nd – Will Orders
3rd – Troy Dowel
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