The Shannons Nationals at Sydney Motorsport Park cemented itself in the history books today, playing host to the first ever TCR race run in Australia. Other categories also got down to business with their first races of the weekend. Here’s how it went:
carsales TCR Australia Series
The importance of securing pole position was evident during qualifying - as the times were so close there was less than a second’s gap between first and eighth. In the end it was Tony D’Alberto (VIC) in the Honda who secured the number one spot on the grid, followed by Jason Bright (VIC) in the VW and Dylan O’Keefe (VIC) in the Alfa Romeo.
D’Alberto’s small advantage of leading the race was quickly taken off him by Jason Bright, who overtook D’Alberto early on in Race 1 and stayed in front until he crossed the finished line.
Bright was the only one who managed to get past D’Alberto, who went on to claim second. Will Brown in the Hyundai kept on D’Alberto’s tail throughout the race, but the youngster didn’t find an opportunity to pass and finished third.
Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge
The first race of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge gave Sonic Racing double the reason to celebrate, with their drivers Max Vidau (SA) and Aaron Love (WA) claiming first and second respectively. Third-placed Harri Jones (QLD) kept the pressure on Love throughout the ten laps.
There was plenty of drama throughout Race 2 with a failed clutch for Max Vidau seeing his car drop from competition early on which gave his lead to Aaron Love. Love then ran wide which saw Ryan Suhle (QLD) take the lead, a position he retained for the remainder of the race. Sam Shahin (SA) took second and it was a case of de ja vu for Harri Jones, who was once again third.
CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Championship
After leading the practice and qualifying sessions yesterday, Luis Leeds (VIC) fantastic start to the season continued today with a race win. Leeds held off Lachie Hughes (QLD) for the 20 minute race to finish three seconds in front. Antonio Astuti (VIC) was next to cross the finish line just over two seconds later.
Australian Prototype Series
The first Prototypes race of the weekend was full of close battles, but in the end it was David Barram (QLD) who crossed the finish line first. A five second jump start penalty saw Mark Short (SA) give up his second place to 2018 Champion Jason Makris (QLD). Short rounded out the podium in third.
Radical Australia Cup
Christopher Perini’s weekend continues to go to plan with the New South Welshmen being the first to cross the finish line in Race One of the Radical Australia Cup. Kostinken Pohorukov (NSW) qualified in 7th but managed to work his way up the field to finish second. Stephen Champion (NSW) finished third.
Alfa Romeo Challenge
Also having a great weekend is David Gatto (NSW) who drove his GTV6 to victory in the Alfa Challenge. David Capraro (NSW) was second, breaking the category’s lap record which he set late last year. Enzo Piazza (NSW) had the pressure kept on him by Michael Musumeci (NSW), but held him off to finish third.
Tomorrow is the final day of the Shannons Nationals at Sydney Motorsport Park. The on track action starts at
SUNDAY 19 MAY
9:20–9:40am: Alfa Romeo Challenge – Race 2
9:50–10:15am: Prototype Series – Race 2
10:25–11:10am: Porsche GT3 Cup – Race 3
11:20am–12:10pm: Radical Australia Cup – Race 2
12:20–12:40pm: Formula 4 – Race 2
1:15–1:45pm: TCR – Race 2
2:20–2:50pm: TCR – Race 3
3:05–3:20pm: S5000 Demonstration
3:25–3:45pm: Alfa Romeo Challenge – Race 3
3:55–4:20pm: Formula 4 – Race 3