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Justin Ruggier handed Eggleston Motorsport a unique title double by securing the Kumho V8 Touring Car Series with victory in Sydney Motorsport Park’s final round.
Ruggier was pipped to the Race 2 win on the final lap by rival Ryan Simpson, but needed just to finish the final in order to secure the series.
“I was really emotional in the car after the race and broke out into tears,” said Ruggier after beating Simpson to the line by 0.5s in Race 3.
“It’s an amazing feeling. I’m actually lost for words. It’s been a massive year to get to the grid and what a year it’s been for EMS with two championships in two categories in the one year. It’s all quite unbelievable.”
The success comes less than a month after Paul Dumbrell won the Dunlop Series title for Eggleston at Bathurst.
Second in the series for Simpson came after a season that included a class high 10 race wins.
The Ford driver was second in the Sydney round ahead of Matt Palmer, who was also third in the series.
The day’s action at the Shannons Nationals meeting also saw champions crowned in the Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship, Kerrick Sports Sedan Series and Radical Australia Cup.
CLICK HERE for more on Simon Hodge’s F3 title
Tony Ricciardello took his eighth Sports Sedan crown by winning two of the weekend’s three races in his Alfa-Chevrolet.
The West Australian enjoyed a typically spirited battle with Darren Hossack throughout the day, which saw the Audi driver win Race 2.
Tim Berryman took the Radical title with a Race 3 win, completing a strong comeback from a crash in Friday practice.
Outright title rival Michael Shaw had to be content with SR3 class honours after his charge was hampered by an incident on Saturday.
The Formula Ford Series and PRB Clubmans completed the weekend’s program.
Thomas Randle ensured the Formula Ford title fight will go down to the final round by taking the Sydney round victory.
Randle won both Sunday races and now sits 21 points behind James Golding ahead of the Phillip Island finale.
Stuart Shirvington took out the PRB round, while third for the weekend was enough for Chris Barry to take season honours.
