The first round of the Bridgestone Porsche series was held over the weekend at Taupo Motorsport Park.
The cold conditions resulted in slightly slower than expected lap times in qualifying. Nigel pulled out an unexpected 1:46sec lap after car troubles during practice. Robert qualified just behind Nigel in fourth with a 1:47sec lap.
Race 1, Qualifying Grid positions were irrelavant by the first corner as Robert drove straight up the middle of the field gaining multiple positions. After tangling which Rob Alloway's GT3 RS which sent the 911 GT3 RS off the track, Robert continued chasing down the 928 V8 of Struan Robertson which he finally passed on the back straight under brakes. Robert Finished third in class, with Nigel in fifth after limping home due to Turbo problems.
Race 2, The reverse grid race saw Robert start from second row of the grid to take an early lead before losing several positions as the higher class cars hunted him down. Unfortunately Nigel's Car problems persisted which put him at the back of the pack.
Race Three ended up being the battle of brothers with Nigel taking third position just ahead of Robert after an excellent passing manoeuvre on the back straight on the 2nd to last lap of the 8 lap race.
For all the action watch the highlights video taken from the incar camera within Robert's race car. incar video
After Round 1 the Class "C" standings have Paul Hanson leading followed by Kevin Etches with Robert and Nigel closely behind.
The series is now part of the Independent Race Classes (IRC) Summer of Thunder Tour. This series along with the NZ Bridgestone Porsche series also features GTRNZ, SS2000, Formula First, Super6 & HQ, Pro 7, Mini, Formula Suzuki and Pre 65's. For more details on the IRC visit their website www.irc.org.nz
The next round is at Pukekohe Park Raceway on the 5/6th of December 2009 which is branded Thunder in the Park. So for Auckland race fans this is your first opportunity to see the cars in action this season and should be well worth a look, gate sales available.
TYR.