The pair are preparing for a battle royale with fierce rivals Scott Pedder and Dale Moscatt at the Coates Hire Rally Australia, based out of Coffs Harbour.

It was at last year's Rally Australia that Reeves really hit his straps, winning on day two, finishing second in each of the other heats and setting himself up for a flying finish to the Australian Rally Championship.  

The 2014 event, which starts on Friday, is round 10 of the World Rally Championship and round five of the Aussie series.

With two outright wins each this year, the battle for championship honours between Reeves in his Mazda2 and Pedder in a Renault Clioshows no sign of easing off.

Reeves trails Pedder by just five points in the overall standings and each driver is desperate to go into November's final round with a handy buffer.

Rally Australia is a true endurance event with three long days of rallying on a mix of forestry and shire roads, covering a total competitive distance of more than 315km.

Saturday's long Nambucca stage, at almost 50km, is one of Reeves' favourites on the racing calendar and he is looking forward to tackling it again this year.

“I love Rally Australia, as it's our chance to compete against the world's best drivers and cars,” Reeves said.

“There is so much coverage of this event and it's also the longest of the year, making it a true challenge.”

Reeves and Gelsomino were spending Wednesday and Thursday doing reconnaissance - driving over the stages in a normal road car and writing pace notes.

A ceremonial start in Coffs Harbour will be held on Thursday, with the rally proper beginning on Friday.