Brendan Reeves currently leads the classification on 185 points, but close behind is Golden Square-based duo Adrian Stratford and Kain Manning (145).

Despite the 40 point difference, Stratford and Manning are still in contention and have their eyes set on the title.

"There was one rally earlier in the season which we didn't start and also a heat DNF which has put us slightly behind the eight ball," Stratford said.

"It's a shame as we've taken most of the heat wins but that bid of bad luck has put us behind Brendan and his co-driver Kate Catford.

"We just need to keep a cool head this weekend and get to the finish."

In the co-driver standings Catford leads Manning by only 10 points.

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Ahead of the final shutdown at Gippsland Stratford and Manning have made several changes to the setup of their Ford Fiesta.

Front and rear suspension changes and power improvements are among the latest tweaks.

"Performance-wise this is the best the car has ever been, especially when it comes to reliability," Stratford said.

The race commences on Saturday and will be contested over eight stages at a total of 124km.

The stages encompass the mountainous terrain north west of Heyfield between Walhalla, Toombon and Glenfalloch.

Stratford and Manning have never raced on the stages before but are eager for the challenge.

"The roads are fast and flowing which should suit our car over Brendan and Kate's, but in terms of experience he is leaps and bounds in front of us," Stratford said.

"He is the best and our benchmark. Without him we wouldn't be working as hard as we are to make our car as fast as possible."

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