Shannons SpeedSeries kicks into gear for day two

Saturday 25 February, 2023
Photos: Daniel Kalisz and Angryman Photography

The Shannons SpeedSeries continues to shine in Launceston as the AWC Race Tasmania completed its second day at Symmons Plains.

With all six categories holding races, it was a busy schedule throughout the day as the healthy crowd were treated to quite the show.

Two-time S5000 Australian Drivers Championship winner Joey Mawson got his 2023 campaign off to the perfect start as he claimed pole position and the race one win.

While it was extremely close between the New South Welshman and James Golding in Qualifying, Mawson was far more dominant in the race as he finished more than six seconds ahead of Aaron Cameron and Cooper Webster.

Click here for a full race report.

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It was a similar story in the Gulf Western Oils Touring Car Masters, as polesitter Steven Johnson led the 19-lap race from start to finish.

While the category veteran crossed the line one and a half seconds ahead of Andrew Fisher and three and half ahead of Ryan Hansford, he was in control all race, with his lead having been out to more than six seconds at multiple points.

Earlier in the day, the series had held its Trophy Race, with Hansford just beating Danny Buzadic by four tenths of a second.

Click here for a wrap on TCM.

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The National Trans Am provided some of the most entertaining racing for the day as James Moffat marked his series debut with a victory over Ben Grice.

Grice had the upper hand over Moffat heading into the opening race, having taken out a thrilling Qualifying session by less than one hundredth of a second.

However Moffat managed to squeeze past him on the opening lap before defending his spot throughout the rest of the race, while Tim Slade snatched the final podium place from Owen Kelly.

Click here for the Trans Am recap.

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There was plenty of drama in the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, which mostly occured between Qualifying and the sole race of the day.

Inaugural champion Will Brown drew first blood for the season, securing pole over Josh Buchan, who only just claimed a front row start over Bailey Sweeny, Tony D’Alberto and Aaron Cameron.

However post-qualifying, Brown and fellow Audi RS 3 driver Zac Soutar both had driveshaft problems, resulting in both withdrawing from the weekend.

Buchan also didn’t escape issues after Qualifying, with a turbo issue causing a penalty and a demotion to the back of the field.

With Sweeny elevated to pole, the youngster’s early title credentials were on display courtesy of a dominant win from lights out to the chequered flag.

Finishing more than seven and half seconds behind was Tony D’Alberto in second place, while Kody Garland was victorious in an entertaining battle for the final podium position between Ben Bargwanna and Aaron Cameron.

Click here for a full review of TCR.

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In the Tassie Tin Tops, Eddie Maguire ended the day on top after finishing with a runner-up in race one and a win in race two, while Tim Mann finished just behind him in both races.

After taking out top honours in race one, Liam Hooper had a DNF in race two, opening the door for Maguire.

Click here for full results.

_- Tin Tops-4

In the Hyundai Excels, Hugo Simpson cruised to a clean sweep of wins, taking out both races over Campbell Logan and Jeremy Bennett.

Click here for the points so far.

The final day of the AWC Race Tasmania continues tomorrow from 9:20am AEDT, with tickets available for purchase via motorsporttickets.com.au.

Tomorrow action can be seen live and ad-free on Stan Sport from 11.30am – 5pm AEDT, while those watching overseas will be able to watch the stream live by heading to SpeedSeries.com.au/TV or via Speedcafe.com.

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