CAMS has approved the inclusion of Maximum Motorsport’s John O’Dowd in the Australian Rally Championship 2 final at Kennards Hire Rally Australia after receiving notification of Brad Markovic’s withdrawal from the event.
Brad Markovic, also with Maximum Motorsport, missed round four of the CAMS Australian Rally Championship (ARC) at Lightforce Rally SA due to recent back surgery.
Markovic had enough points to secure his spot in the winner-takes-all ARC2 final at Rally Australia but has since declared himself a non-starter as he continues with his recovery.
This has cleared the way for fellow West-Australian John O’Dowd, who was placed fourth in the ARC2 standings, to step up and contest the final.
CAMS General Manager of Motor Sport Events Michael Smith said it made sense to elevate the next person in line to take Markovic’s place.
“The ARC2 final will be a six-way fight for the title between three four-wheel-drive and three two-wheel-drive teams; it makes sense to have a full complement of competitors do battle,” Smith said.
“We wish Brad Markovic all the best with his continued recovery and look forward to seeing who will take out the ARC2 4WD and ARC2 2WD titles.”
Other ARC2 finalists include Craig Brooks and Tony Sullens in the 4WD class, and Nathaniel Dillon, Stephen Mee and Lewis Bates in the 2WD class.
The six finalists receive entry into Kennards Hire Rally Australia and a set of MRF tyres to do battle in the final. ARC2 was introduced to the ARC in 2017, offering a pathway for state level competitors to make the step up to national level competition.
ARC2 competitors nominate two ARC events, including their home ARC event, where they are eligible to score points.
Kennards Hire Rally Australia, the final round of the CAMS ARC and the World Rally Championship, will take place in the seaside town of Coffs Harbour on 16-19 November.
