The excitement returned to the Sunshine State as the TFH Hire TA2 Muscle Car Series, presented by Maritimo, hosted a thrilling two-driver round alongside the Fight in the Night for Australian Production Cars.
A Fan-Friendly Atmosphere
After a seven-week hiatus, many fans gathered to enjoy the action from various vantage points, including the pit building and the hills at Turns 1 and 2. The event offered a park and view option, allowing spectators to immerse themselves in the atmosphere. The paddock featured numerous attractions, including a kids’ area with a giant soccer dartboard and more. [IMAGE0CONTEXT:bmwunknown] Free access to the paddock allowed fans to get up close to the cars and interact with the drivers. A signing session with all TA2 drivers added to the excitement, and some fortunate fans even enjoyed hot laps in a brand-new Chev Corvette.
Star-Studded Lineup
The TA2 series was graced by several star guest drivers, including Bathurst winners Craig Lowndes, Brody Kostecki, Todd Hazelwood, and Paul Morris. Supercar drivers such as James Golding, Tim Slade, Aaron Seton, and Declan Fraser also participated, alongside a talented group of drivers typically seen in other racing categories. Over the weekend, six races took place, comprising four single-driver races and two 45-minute endurance races featuring driver pairings. [IMAGE1CONTEXT:bmwunknown]
Outstanding Performances
Continuing her impressive form, Alice Buckley in a Chev Camaro outqualified the competition and teamed up with mentor Tim Slade to earn the most points across all races, securing the Tag Enduro crown. Buckley claimed victory in her solo race on Saturday, and together with Slade, they won the first two-driver race. Golding in a Ford Mustang also won a solo race, as did his teammate Lachlan Evennett. Nathan Herne, driving a Camaro, was another solo race winner, while Morris and Kostecki clinched victory in the second endurance race in a Mustang. The overall standings saw Morris and Kostecki finish second, with Evennett and Golding taking third, ahead of Herne and Tom Davies, Lowndes, and TA2 series leader Jarrod Hughes in another Camaro.
A Thrilling Endurance Race
The Sherrin Rentals Fight in the Night three-hour endurance race, featuring 26 entries, capped off the third round of the Australian Production Car Championship. Prior to this marquee event, two 20-minute races were held, won by Lindsay Kearns and Brad Carr. They teamed up in their Ford Mustang for the endurance race but ultimately finished third, behind back-to-back winners Hadrian Morrall and Tyler Mecklem in their Mustang, and Rob Gooley and Mika Ter Horst in the Speedcafe BMW M4. [IMAGE2CONTEXT:bmwunknown]
Action-Packed Support Program
The action-packed support program saw Innovation Race Cars crowned overall round winners, with New Zealanders James Parker and Daniel Jilesen taking the honors. Parker won the Sunday sprint before teaming up with Jilesen to win the enduro. The Saturday enduro was won by Geoff Taunton, following Geoff Emery’s victory in the first sprint. However, their rivalry escalated, resulting in clashes during both races on Sunday.
In the Eastern Sleepers Aussie Tin Tops, Brent Edwards extended his championship lead with two race wins in his Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo, though he had to settle for second place behind Stephen Chilby in his BMW on Sunday. The Australian Formula Vee races were exceptionally close, with Michael Kinsella winning the final three races while Alex Macdonald triumphed in the opener. In the Queensland Touring Car Championship, Commodore driver Trent Rub won three of the four races but missed one, allowing BMW driver Shane Stuart to take the weekend victory.
Celebrating Milestones
The Queensland Superkart Club marked its 50th anniversary, with Gareth Crisp emerging victorious and taking home a massive trophy. The Hi-Tec Oils Super Series also contributed to charity, raising funds for KIF1A, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. Donors had the chance to win various motorsport-related prizes. For more information or to donate, click here. The event was streamed live on the official Super Series YouTube channel, allowing fans to relive the excitement of Day 1 and Day 2. The next round is set to take place at Mallala Motorsport Park from September 26-28. [IMAGE3CONTEXT:yamahaunknown]