The 2018 season is done and dusted and so is my first year in the Toyota 86 Series. I had a great weekend at Newcastle; although not quite finishing how I’d hoped, there were still plenty of positives to take away!
Being my first time on the track and with only two practice sessions to get familiar with the circuit – it made it quite challenging, but I was glad I was able to improve as each session went on.
I qualified 17th ahead of race 1, where I managed to fight my way through the pack and crossed the line in P9. Able to pick up a few more spots in race 2, I went 3 positions better to finish up 6th.
Come Sunday’s final race, I was really hoping for a top 5 finish. I got off to a good start and crept up to 5th position, where I was right on the tale of Zane Morse – hungry for 4th. Unfortunately, a mistake from Morse forced him into the tyre barrier and I was also taken with him; which ended my race. That’s racing! Unfortunately, it was a DNF for the final race, but I was still stoked with what I had achieved over the weekend.
I finished off the season 5th in the Championship standings – which I am over the moon with. My first year in the Toyota 86 Series and I finished in the top 5 for the season.
I was also awarded with ‘Best First Year Driver’ as well as ‘Best fits the Toyota Way’ at the Toyota 86 Series end of year function, which I did not expect!
A massive thanks to all of my sponsors and supporters for an incredible year! I couldn’t have done it without you all.
Also, a big thank you to the crew at Ashley Seward Motorsport for all your support and help this year – it’s been an incredible season!
Looking forward to seeing what 2019 brings!
Jay!
