Chris Gilmour has broken a seven-year Formula 3 winless streak on his way to taking the Australian Drivers Championship lead at Morgan Park, Queensland.
After taking the first race yesterday (CLICK HERE for Speedcafe.com’s story) Gilmour won this morning sprint race, fending off second-placed Bryce Moore and John Magro all race long in a tense battle.
The feature race was no easier mission, the bright red All Properties Group Dallara again fending off Magro to win and take his first ever round clean sweep.
With former title leader James Winslow stunk in the United States, Gilmour took full advantage.
“It’s the one I wanted, it’s brilliant and puts our championship right on track,” Gilmour beamed after Race 3 today.
“The car has been getting quicker and quicker all weekend and the final race was the best yet. It was a tough battle with John but I felt like I was capable of keeping him behind because it’s very tough to pass here.
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“With (James) Winslow away I needed to make sure that we took as much advantage as possible and aside from missing out on a couple of bonus points for fastest laps, it’s the best result we could have asked for.”
Moore looked set for another strong result – after finishing second in today’s sprint race – but was cruelly robbed of a better result in the feature after his car had an electrical issue on the grid before the race start. Magro’s second place did enough to move him to a clear second in the championship, with the absent Winslow now third and Moore still well in contention in fourth place.
“It was a great weekend for us,” Magro said.
“The car was really good and super fast all weekend, we just couldn’t get past Chris. I have to thank Team BRM for setting up a great car and R-Tek for helping me run it this weekend. I’m stoked with the results and to be this high in the championship.
“I can’t wait for Sandown and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
Moore’s misfortune allowed Steel Guiliana the opportunity to sweep through and finish the main race third, but not before continuing his season-long battle with Forpark Australia scholarship rival Ben Gersekowski.
The local driver had the early advantage but Guiliana took advantage of a good run off the final corner to pass up the inside at turn four in the second half of the race.
Gersekowski was fourth and the pair remains virtually inseparable in both the outright and class standings.
There are now three rounds of the championship remaining, with the next round to be contested at Sandown Raceway, in Melbourne, on September 9-11 with the Shannons Nationals.
