Neal Bates has secured the Australian Drivers Championship with a heat to spare at the Coffs Harbour Rally.
The Toyota Corolla driver is only the second person to win four national titles, in Rally Australia’s 41-year history.
Bates placed eighth in the opening round today, building an unbeatable series lead heading into tomorrow’s final heat.
But today’s opening stages belonged to Bates’ team-mate Simon Evans.
The outgoing Aussie champion finished the quickest on track.
With rain this afternoon the final round of the national series is expected to be a mudbath.
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