Speedseries wrap up from Sandown
Supercheap Auto TCR Australia: Exciting Racing at Sandown
The Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series at Sandown delivered exhilarating action with thrilling qualifying sessions and races, showcasing the fierce competition among drivers.
Qualifying: Sweeny Secures Maiden Pole
Bailey Sweeny made a powerful statement by securing his first career pole position in Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series qualifying. In what was one of the most competitive qualifying sessions of the year, Sweeny displayed his skill and determination.
Lachlan Mineeff also impressed in qualifying, achieving a personal best result. Zac Soutar rounded out the top three qualifiers, and Tony D’Alberto secured the fourth position, ensuring a second-row start for Race 1. Josh Buchan, the series leader, faced tough competition and ended up in the sixth position during qualifying.
Race 1: D’Alberto Triumphs in Thrilling Opener
Race 1 provided fans with a thrilling opening encounter for Supercheap Auto TCR Australia. Tony D’Alberto emerged victorious in a race filled with excitement, outlasting Aaron Cameron and Will Brown.
The reigning champion, D’Alberto, showcased his expertise by taking the lead off the line after a slow start from polesitter Bailey Sweeny. D’Alberto's performance demonstrated his veteran-like skills as he secured his first win of the 2023 season.
Aaron Cameron faced immense pressure from 2019 champion Will Brown on the final lap but managed to hold onto the second-place finish. Bailey Sweeny, who had started from pole position, encountered challenges during the race and dropped to the fifth position. This shift in positions added an intriguing dynamic to the title rivalry with teammate Josh Buchan.
Race 2: Sweeny Charges to Victory
In Race 2, series leader Bailey Sweeny exhibited his determination and racing prowess by charging through the field in the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series reverse grid race. Sweeny pressured the early leader, Tom Oliphant, and soon found himself in the lead.
Once in the lead, Sweeny built a substantial gap, securing a well-deserved victory. Unfortunately, it was a forgettable race for 2019 champion Will Brown, who had to retire due to an oil and engine issue.
Race 3: Sweeny Clinches Weekend Win
Bailey Sweeny continued his impressive performance during Race 3, securing his second win of the weekend in the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series. Sweeny faced fierce competition from Aaron Cameron but ultimately clinched the victory.
Cameron finished in a lonely second place, while Tony D’Alberto took the third spot after an incident between Zac Soutar and Lachlan Mineeff, causing both drivers to retire from the race.
National Trans Am Series: Moffat Dominates
The National Trans Am Series also provided fans with dominant performances by James Moffat. Moffat converted pole position into a Race 1 win after an exciting battle with Ben Grice and Tom Hayman.
Grice initially led the race but faced challenges, eventually allowing Moffat to take the lead. A late safety car intervention added drama, with Moffat leading Hayman in a final lap sprint, securing the victory. Nash Morris made a thrilling last-gasp move on Elliot Barbour to round out the podium places.
In Race 2, Moffat continued his dominance with another emphatic victory. He showcased his superiority on the track, leaving Elliot Barbour to battle in entertaining duels.
Brett Holdsworth made a welcome return to the podium, delivering one of his best performances of the year. This strong performance set him up for another promising result in Sunday’s final race.
James Moffat completed a clean sweep of victories in Race 3 of the National Trans Am Series at Sandown. Although he briefly lost the lead to Elliot Barbour at the start, Moffat quickly reclaimed the top spot and maintained it for the rest of the race.
Teammate Lochie Dalton finished almost 10 seconds behind in second place, putting up a valiant effort to stay competitive. Cody Gillis delivered an impressive performance, securing the third position.
Australian Formula Open: Intense Competition
In the Australian Formula Open, intense competition unfolded with exciting races and pole positions.
Ryan How claimed pole position ahead of Trent Grubel in qualifying, giving him the ultimate advantage for Race 1. How was two-tenths of a second quicker than his title rival, with Miles Bromley further behind in third. Brodie Norris emerged as the top performer in the F4 category.
Race 1 saw Ryan How converting his pole position into a crucial race win, finishing just three tenths of a second ahead of title rival Trent Grubel in a race disrupted by a safety car intervention. Peter Bouzinelos' off-track incident bunched up the pack and allowed Brodie Norris to lead the F4 category despite a slow start.
Race 2 continued the intense competition, with Ryan How securing a second straight victory. He capitalized on a slow start by his title rival, Trent Grubel. However, Grubel crossed the line ahead of How, but a five-second penalty demoted him back. Kristian Janev also faced a similar penalty, finishing ahead of teammate Brodie Norris but being demoted to second in the AF04 class.
Trent Grubel finally secured a win in Race 3, displaying great pace early and overtaking Ryan How with nine laps to go. Miles Bromley claimed the third position in the AF01 category. Kristian Janev took the win in Race 3, ahead of Brodie Norris in the AF04 category.
The Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, National Trans Am Series, and Australian Formula Open provided fans with a weekend of exciting motorsport action at Sandown, showcasing the talents and determination of the participating drivers.
