Nick Foster has continued his hot form in the Carrera Cup, while championship leaders Steve Richards and Craig Baird both failed to finish in a dramatic opening race.

The action was on from the outset when Nick McBride and Duvashen Padayachee collided moments after the green light. Padayachee was out on the spot while McBride would re-join.

Up at Turn #3 Craig Baird went side-by-side with Richard Muscat with the multiple champion damaging steering after contact.

The race appeared to settle down with pole sitter Matt Campbell in front of a determined Foster. Then on the eighth lap Campbell went wide at the exit of Turn #2 and Foster was through.

With just two laps remaining Richards was side-by-side with Shae Davies down the front straight when the pair made contact at Turn #1. Both cars went around with Richards pulling off up the road with front end damage. Davies was alter handed a 25 points penalty and sent to the rear of the grid for the final race.

Then as the race went into the final lap Campbell had a lunge at Dandenong Road Corner for the lead. Again side-by-side contact Campbell was in the lead and Foster back to second. However, steering damage to Campbell meant he ran wide on the final turn and Foster went through for the victory; Muscatt home in third.

Not as dramatic was the Tag Heuer Carrera Challenge with Tony Bates needing to avoid the Baird incident on the opening lap to come home a clear leader in the semi-pro division and seventh overall. Shane Smollen and James Bergmullar collecting the minor placings.

The next race of the Carrera Cup is scheduled for 3.15pm.

VIDEO: Foster and Bates speak after the opening race

RESULTS: Race 1 – Carrera Cup : Sandown