James Winslow has wrapped up his second Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship with a round to spare after taking victory in the third and final F3 race at Queensland Raceway today.
The British driver and 2008 F3 champion collected two race wins at the Ipswich circuit today, adding to his opening race win yesterday, plus his pole position.
CLICK HERE for yesterday’s report.
The R-Tek Motorsport driver’s title success makes him the 12th driver in the 57-year history of the CAMS Gold Star to win the award twice, and just the second driver ever to win two Australian Formula 3 championships.
Winslow joins the likes of Spencer Martin, Kevin Bartlett, Max Stewart, John Bowe, Rohan Onslow and Simon Wills as two-time Gold Star winners.
To add to the history of the occasion, today’s double wins means he has collected 12 this season – a record for most wins in an F3 season.
It is also R-Tek’s first championship success.
Chris Gilmour finished second for the round, which also secured him an unassailable second place in the title.
Steel Guiliana was third outright at Queensland Raceway, but it was Winslow who was most celebrating the most.
“It’s a relief to have it won and the pressure off,” he said.
“This is for the team. Ian and Meryl (Richards) and the entire group have worked so hard to make it all work this year and it’s so satisfying to finally have it locked away.
“It has been the perfect weekend, to win all three races and even set a lap record – you really can’t ask for much more. It wasn’t without its troubles, but the car performed so well and even though we were under some pressure in each race we had enough to bring it home.
“To be grouped amongst the great names who have won the Gold Star twice is a great honour and something I am incredibly proud to have on my resume. It means a lot to win this championship because I love these cars and Formula 3 and to be able to do it here, in perfect conditions and in front of a great crowd, is hugely satisfying.”
Steel Guiliana and Jordan Skinner will fight out for third in the championship at the series’ finale at Phillip Island, Guiliana’s third place today edging him just nine points ahead of the Team BRM driver going into the final round.
Queenslander Hayden Cooper held out the speedy advances of Victorian Lockie Marshall for the duration of today’s feature, to not only win the Forpark Australia National Class this weekend – but also seal the class title overall as well.
The final round of the 2012 Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship for the CAMS Gold Star will be held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit with the Shannons Nationals presented by Hi-Tec Oils – on September 21-23.
