Tasmanian driver Josh Burdon will take a slender lead into the final round of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series following a tumultuous weekend at Monza, Italy.
The 21-year-old’s season appeared to have suffered a major blow when his car was crashed in practice at Monza by Elite Class driver Nicolo Rocca.
The unique NASCAR Euro format sees the Elite and Open class drivers share a car, with which they compete in separate races.
The Scorpus Racing outfit returned the car to the track just five hours after Rocca’s accident for Burdon to complete Practice 2.
The Australian went on to qualify fourth, but saw his 26 point series advantage turn to a 12 point deficit after an early race tangle led to a retirement.
A narrow 0.001s victory in a damp second race, however, ensures Burdon will take a two point lead into the final at Le Mans, France, on October 11-13.
“There are no words to describe this feeling amongst the team,” said Burdon after Race 2.
“After a disasterous weekend and experiencing the biggest low of my career yesterday we rebounded back today.
“I wanted it real bad. I’m so happy to get a podium for all the hard work put in by the team.”
The victory was Burdon’s sixth of the season, which has seen the NASCAR-sanctioned class complete two-race weekends at Nogaro (France), Dijon (France), Brands Hatch (United Kingdom) and Monza.
