Hamish Hardeman broke through for a maiden GT3 Cup Challenge victory on the opening day of racing action at the Winton Shannons Nationals.
After a string of six consecutive second place finishes in the class, Hardeman scored pole for the opening Jim Richards Endurance Trophy race of the season.
Never headed throughout the 35 laps, Hardeman chalked up a commanding 18.5s victory from fellow young gun Jaxon Evans.
“I think it’s about time to get the win and I’m absolutely over the moon,” said Hardeman.
“I had good test days and the team set the car up perfectly so we deserved this today.
“I did a couple of endurance rounds last year and I really enjoy the longer races so it’s important to do well and try to secure the Jim Richards Endurance Trophy this season.
“I definitely want to win the outright title, but the Endurance Trophy would be special also.”
A mid-race spin from David Ryan allowed Jake Klarich to take the final podium spot, while Tim Miles also made it through on Ryan to take Elite Class honours in fourth.
Formula 3 Premier Series
Tim Macrow extended his Formula 3 series lead after title rivals Roland Legge and Chris Anthony clashed in Race 1 at Winton.
The collision came on the opening turn of the race as Anthony locked a brake and slid into Legge, who later retired from the contest with mechanical issues.
Macrow drove to a six second victory, while Anthony salvaged second and a new category lap record in the process.
Cameron Shields finished the race third and first in National Class ahead of Nathan Kumar and Ross McAlpine.
Australian GT Trophy Series
Audi driver Greg Taylor will start the first of two 50 minute Australian GT Trophy Series from pole after edging out the Lamborghini of Mathew Turnbull in qualifying.
The GT3 entries were only narrowly faster than the leading MARC Mazda V8s, with Jake Camilleri third and Jack Smith fifth.
Audi-mounted Rob Smith split the duo, while sixth through 10th was filled by Rick Mensa (Porsche), Francis Placentino (Lamborghini), Ockert Fourie (Porsche), Jim Manolios/Ryan Millier (Maserati) and Nick Rowe (MARC Mazda).
Kerrick Sports Sedans
Jack Perkins continued his stunning form aboard John Gourlay’s Audi by claiming the fastest time in the Top 10 Shootout ahead of tomorrow’s Race 1.
The Auto Union Motorsport driver was a full second clear of championship rival Tony Ricciardello (Alfa), with Chris Donnelly (Chev Camaro) third.
Sports Sedans debutant Ricky Capo (Saab) and Stuart Inwood (Corvette) completed the top five.
Tomorrow’s final race will feature all cars adorned with ‘For Andrea’ stickers, in support of popular Victorian Sports Sedan racer Damian Johnson who recently lost his wife Andrea following a battle with cancer.
Sports Racer Series
Roger I’Anson proved too good in the first of three Australian Sports Racer Series heats for the weekend.
I’Anson led home fellow West drivers Aaron Steer Jason Makris and John-Paul Drake, with Peter Johnston the first Radical home in fifth.
Makris and Drake both suffered gearbox issues during the race, leaving the former’s participation in doubt for Sunday.
All of tomorrow’s racing action will be streamed live via Speedcafe.com.
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