The Australian Prototype Series heads to Winton for its fourth round this weekend, with the event to play a big part in the regional Victorian round.
As previously reported, reigning Series winner Jason Makris has hung up the helmet for 2019 with the impending birth of his child, meaning John-Paul Drake will fill the vacant seat of the speedy Wolf Tornado – making him a serious contender this weekend.
With Makris now out of contention, the battle between Daniel Gonzalez and David Barram will continue at Winton. While Makris leads the Series on 243 points, Barram is the effective leader on 239 points, just 10 points ahead of Gonzalez.
This round also promises plenty of racing for Prototypes fans, with four races across both Saturday and Sunday.
In a cheeky tribute to Father’s Day, Race 3 will not be run for points, instead competitors will be fighting for ‘Father’s Day/Abandoned Wives’ race trophy – which includes some extra special prizes on offer. The winner of the round’s third race will receive a $150 Endota Spa vouchers, second place a $100 Endota Spa voucher and third a bottle of French champagne. All competitors will also receive their own Haighs chocolates in honour of the special day which they can gift to their wives or fathers or even themselves.
Aside from Race 3, the battle for points is expected to be fierce.
Gonzalez returns to Winton in winning form, following his first ever pole position and race win at Queensland Raceway – he will be keen to build further on that success and put himself firmly in contention for the Series win.
It was a mixed weekend for the 2019 Series newcomer, following an incident with Barram where a passing move ended up taking both contenders out of the race.
Mark Laucke will again put his Tornado to the test at Winton, eager to battle Drake, Gonzalez and Barram at the front of the field.
The Radical class promises plenty of exciting competition with five competitors, which includes Carmelo Bonaventura, Siegfried Fuhrmeister, Philip Hughes, Jon Grant and Susan Esselmont all taking part.
South Australian Paul Trengove returns for his second round of 2019, following a successful return to racing in Queensland – he finished fourth for the round, as well as winning the Hankook Cup.
Joining Trengove in the Hankook Cup battle will be Jonathan Stoeckel and Glen Stallbaum.
Australian Prototypes Series Winton Schedule:
Private practice – Friday
Qualifying – Saturday, 12.10pm – 12.30pm
Race 1 – Saturday, 3.10pm
Race 2 – Sunday, 11am
Race 3 – The Father’s Day/Abandoned Wives Race – Sunday, 12pm (no points awarded)
Race 4 – Sunday, 3.10pm
*Photo credit: Patto Media*
