Arron Windus is the latest driver to confirm his entry in the 2021 Netier National Capital Rally with the Victorian confident he is ready to mix it with the best in Australia.
Geared up to drive the same Subaru WRX STi his father Darren has campaigned in previous years, the 2019 Motorsport Australia Till Hino Victorian Rally Champion will be just one of the many big names competing for the White Wolf Constructions ARC Production Cup.
Although It’s been quite some time since Windus last raced in the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC), his last appearance being the 2017 Eureka Rally, he has been slowly building his way up towards his return.
And with the first round just weeks away, Windus believes now is the perfect time to re-join the ARC with the 25-year-old realistic with his 2021 goals.
“To step back into the ARC is very exciting and it’s the opportunity I have been waiting to have for a few years now,” Windus said.
“The Victorian Rally Championship was a great stepping stone for me and I think it definitely helped me get to the position I am now. It was the step I needed to take, and I truly believe I am ready for a proper crack at the ARC.
“With that said, Canberra is really going to pave the way for the rest of the year. If we can get a decent result and pick up some good points, then I don’t see why we can’t be fighting for some silverware.
“At this point in time, we’re going to take the 2021 season on a round-by-round basis. The goal is to be competing at every round, but if see that we’re miles off the pace or really struggling, then maybe my time isn’t now.
“We know we’re fast, I know we have speed, but I just need reliability and I need to avoid making the same mistakes from the past. I need to show maturity behind the wheel.”
Having made his rally debut back in 2016 in the British Rally Championship for the Vauxhall factory team, Windus scored a number of podiums the following year in the championship as a privateer entry.
During his international stint, he also managed to make it back home to for his Australian debut in South Australia, where he secured a solid fourth place in the first of his only two ARC events.
Now, he’s preparing for Canberra’s tough roads, where the season gets underway in just a few weeks.
“I just want to have a consistent run through the whole event,” Windus added.
“I am fairly confident we can be in the top 10. Would love to get the car in the top five, but anything outright is a bonus.
“I am not thinking about any of the other rounds right now, but if I can get a good result in the Production Cup and a top 10 finish, then I think it’s fair to say that I’ll be in Queensland.”
Arron won’t be the only Windus on the Canberra entry list, with Darren also confirmed to be running a WRX too.
Entries for the ARC’s first round are open until 12 March. Click here to enter the season opener.
The Netier National Capital Rally takes place in Canberra on 26-28 March.
Photos: Wishart Media
