Ivan Klasan has taken his maiden GT3 Cup Challenge race victory at the category’s final round of 2011 at Phillip Island.

Competing for just the second time this season, Klasan beat pole sitter John Trende off the line to take the lead of the weekend’s opening race.

Trende pressured Klasen throughout much of the 10 laps before eventually falling off the road at Honda Corner while attempting an outside pass on his rival.

The mistake saw Steve Kepper move into second position, with the Industry Marketing backed driver finishing more than five seconds adrift of the dominant Klasen.

“I’m obviously pretty happy with the win,” said Klasan after the race.

“I am also happy with my pace throughout the race, especially as this field is pretty tight.

“I had a reasonable start and got into the lead by turn two, and that was that. I controlled my pace from there and went on to win.

“Phillip Island is my favourite track and it’s been very kind to me in my racing. Generally if my car is good and my confidence is there we are usually on the pace.”

Jeff Bobik took third place, despite dropping from fifth to 15th on the opening lap due to a shocking start.

Roger Lago’s only serious title contender, Bobik charged through the pack during the remaining laps, eventually making his way past both Lago and Phil Morris on the penultimate lap to trim the points deficit to 32 with two races remaining.

Morriss was fourth, ahead of Lago, John Modystach, John Goodacre, Terry Knight, Jan Jinadasa and and John Morriss, with the result seeing Knight wrap up the 996 Cup Class.

Former series winner Matt Kingsley ran in the top five early before retiring with gearbox failure.