Jack Le Brocq has extended his Australian Formula Ford Championship points lead, winning an action-packed opening race at Round 4 of the championship at Townsville.
Pole-sitter Mathew Hart dominated the early portion of the race until a multi-car accident led to an extended Safety Car period.
Through the fast turn 8-9 sweeper on lap 6 of 11, Garry Jacobson collected the rear of Shae Davies, whose Spectrum jumped out of gear. The clash launched Jacobson into a spectacular roll over.
Jacobson’s team-mate Rhett Noonan was also involved, with his car momentarily catching alight.
All three drivers emerged from the incident unhurt. Jacobson has been ruled out of the remaining races of the weekend.
In a two-lap dash to the flag, Le Brocq was able to make it past Hart on the restart, with the move somewhat unnecessary, with Hart issued a five second penalty post race for jumping the start.
For Le Brocq, the result is a perfect way to see in his 20th birthday.
“I was lucky with the Safety Car to be able to jump in front of Mathew, and hold on to the finish,” Le Brocq said.
“It was important to be ahead of the carnage. With Mathew getting the 5 second penalty and Garry not scoring any points, it certainly helps out the championship situation.
“It’s definitely been a good birthday!”
Simon Hodge and Macauley Jones finished second and third, with two rookie contenders scoring their maiden podium finishes.
Hodge’s result continues on from his previous personal best result of sixth, which he scored at the most recent Championship round at Phillip Island.
Sam Power made a storming drive back through the pack to finish fourth, after clutch issues off the start set the South Australian to the pack of the field from third on the grid.
Jonathon Venter was next home from debutant Matt Campbell, with Hart classified in seventh.
Greg Holloway was a non-starter after a hefty meeting with the concrete wall in qualifying, but will return to action for the final two races tomorrow, with the 11 lap heats scheduled for 845 and 1200.