Roger Lago and David Russell have combined to take victory in the first of two 60 minute races for the Australian GT Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Starting from fifth on the grid, Lago completed the opening 19 of the eventual 38 laps in the JBS Lamborghini before handing over to the Dunlop V8 Supercars Series regular.
Russell promptly closed down a significant deficit to race leader Peter Hackett before easing away to a near five-second win.
“It’s a great result,” said Russell after winning in his maiden AGTC start.
“Once I got into the car I knew it was up to the task of chasing down Peter. I looked after the tyres and then went for it when I needed to.
“It’s great for Roger, his first stint was fantastic and got us in the position where we could win.”
Hackett had run second to pole-sitter John Bowe (Ferrari) in the early laps before electing to make an early Compulsory Pit Stop.
The Erebus Racing Mercedes driver eventually finished second to take a three point lead over Klark Quinn (Porsche) in the championship standings.
Quinn scored third in the race ahead of Ben Eggleston (Aston Martin), Tony Quinn (Mosler), Peter Edwards/John Bowe, Ash Samadi (Mosler), Martin Wagg (Aston Martin), Neil Muston (Porsche) and John Briggs (Mosler).
The Ford GT of Kevin Weeks/Steve Owen and the Chrysler Viper of Greg Crick both qualified in the top six but failed to finish due to electronic issues.
The debuting Graham Lusty/Darrell Dixon Nissan GT-R faired little better, completing just eight laps before being forced out with broken wheelstuds.
A second 60 minute race will complete the fourth round of the Australian GT Championship at the Shannons Nationals presented by Hi-Tec Oils event tomorrow.
