Josh Wiedeman clinches his first QRC triumph

The inaugural round of the 2025 Motorsport Australia KickAss Products Queensland Rally Championship (QRC) has kicked off, with Josh Wiedman and his co-driver Ryan Preston claiming the first outright win of the season.

This opening round, known as the APX Suspension Blackbutt Rallysprint, unfolded a mere two hours northeast of Brisbane.

This marks Wiedman’s first victory in the QRC, entering the season with a freshly acquired 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9.

“Winning this round feels incredible,” Wiedman expressed.

“We encountered a few hurdles towards the end of the rally, which made for a nail-biting finish, but taking the win has provided me with immense confidence in the new car. Overall, it was a fantastic experience.”

Wiedman attributes much of his success to his new vehicle.

“Having a capable car truly makes a significant difference; my previous Subaru just couldn’t measure up,” Wiedman noted.

“The new car is purpose-built for rallying, featuring a sequential gearbox that simplifies driving since there’s no power loss when shifting gears.

“Additionally, the suspension is revolutionary. It absorbs hard impacts more effectively and enables higher speeds in corners.”

Ryan Preston played a crucial role in this triumph, thanks to his excellent navigation skills and mentorship.

“Ryan, my nephew and co-driver, was instrumental to our success,” Wiedman commented.

“He continuously encouraged me and helped me learn how to manage the new car.

“This vehicle is an entirely different class, so his support has been essential.”

However, the duo faced their fair share of challenges during the rally.

“Getting to grips with the new car was a significant obstacle, and it took time to understand how to use it effectively,” Wiedman reflected.

“We also encountered some mechanical troubles. We blew a head gasket in the last two stages, which cost us valuable time.

“The car was cutting out, and it was quite frightening, but we managed to persevere and complete the rally.”

Wiedman aims to maintain consistent performances this season, having already found success in the opening round of the EROAD Australian Rally Championship, where he finished fourth overall and secured a win in the WOLF Production Cup class in Canberra.

“My primary objective is to stay at the top,” remarked Wiedman.

“The new car is significantly faster, so I need to ensure I stay grounded.

“I’m also eager to continue strengthening my partnership with Ryan and build on our success.”

The next round of the 2025 Motorsport Australia KickAss Products Queensland Rally Championship is scheduled for March 29, featuring the APX Suspension Jimna RallySprint.