South Australian Mark Short outpaced his fellow Australian Prototype Series competitors at Sydney Motorsport Park in the final race of the weekend, cementing his round win at the Shannons Nationals.
Short in his Prince LSR started Race 2 in second grid position behind yesterday’s race winner David Barram (QLD). Barram’s Chiron LMP3 had issues with a sticky throttle on Lap 1 and Short made quick work of claiming the lead, where he stayed for the remainder of the race.
Short said it was a fantastic round result – one he didn’t expect.
“Coming into this weekend I thought there is no way I would be on the money but what a surprise!” Short said.
“The Prince LSR is very similar to what the old Model West cars were. I think it is the oldest car here today – it’s pretty old, but obviously still got some life in it!”
There was an intense battle for second place with plenty of race position switches between the two Wolf Tornados of Mark Laucke (SA) and series newcomer Daniel Gonzalez (WA).
Gonzalez did his best to hold off Laucke but with four minutes to go in the 25 minute race, Laucke found the extra pace needed to claim second place. Laucke‘s results over the weekend also saw him take second place for the round.
Laucke said that the longer races were not normally a strength for him.
“I’ve got to say it was hard work all weekend as any race over 10 minutes is a test for me,” Laucke said. “But if you hang in there and do your best sometimes the results will come.”
Gonzalez was certainly not disappointed in third place, with his first weekend racing going better than to plan.
“This is the first time we’ve ever been able to race and our introduction to the motorsport world,” Gonzalez said. “I just wanted to keep it on the track, finish the race and hang out and talk about it over dinner.
“The camaraderie between the group of competitors here is fantastic. Amazing cars, lots of down force and an absolute privilege to drive.”
Jason Makris (QLD) was holding fourth until a tyre puncture on his Wolf Tornado saw him retire early. Crossing the finish line in fourth was John-Paul Drake (SA), who had a brilliant drive through the mid pack.
Despite having a challenging Race 2, Barram’s weekend ended on a positive note as he stepped onto the podium to accept the round trophy for third.
Also not going home empty handed this weekend was Carmelo Bonaventura (QLD) who took home the Radical Cup, due to being the highest point scorer across the weekend in the Radical Class.
It was a good start to his first season competing in the Prototype Series for Bonaventura, who says he is really enjoying the experience so far.
“It’s overall been a great weekend,” Bonaventura said. “It’s the first time we’ve entered a Prototype series and we’ve been having an absolute ball.
“I love Sydney rounds – the quality of the spectators, the officials and the other competitors, I just can’t talk any higher of them all. I’ll be coming back, that’s for sure.”
The Australian Prototype Series drivers will now start preparing for the next round at a special Phillip Island round on 28-30 June.
