Subaru driver Cody Crocker survived a scare on the opening stage of the Premier State Rally when he blew a gearbox, and was lucky to drop just six seconds to the Impreza WRX STi of Simon Evans, the quickest of the 48 cars in the field.

But Crocker's crew worked brilliantly during the 20 minute service before the second stage of the night to replace the gearbox and get the current leader of the championship out on the course without incurring a penalty for a late checkout.

While Toyota's Rick Bates took the honours on SS2, it was Evans who held onto the lead to finish the night just 0.1 seconds from the Toyota of Neal Bates. Crocker made it through safely the second time but is back in 11th place outright and has given away 8.4 seconds to Evans.

Of the other leading drivers, Dean Herridge is back in 8th place, just 0.2 seconds behind Ed Ordynski in 7th.
Many of the driver's took a cautious approach to the Eastern Creek stages, despite being cheered on by thousands of spectators who turned up to watch the rally stars.

Heat One continues tomorrow morning on a course that has been shortened by around 40 kilometres after recent rains forced organisers to cancel two stages.

The drivers will tackle six stages and 92.49 kms to determine Heat One honours.
The first stage of the day begins at 11:18am.

The fastest results service can be found on www.subaru.com.au.

Also, you can track the cars as they make their way through stages with live split times at Subaru's 'Live Rallying' section.

Audio grabs from Crocker, Herridge and others will also be available after each service break along with outstanding pictorial coverage.