The inaugural round of the CAMS Australian GT Trophy Series presented by Pirelli has been labelled a “complete success” by Category Manager Ken Collier.
Fans witnessed a competitive grid of 16 cars across all three classes as they descended on Sandown for the opening round of the CAMS Shannons Nationals.
Sunday’s free live stream also proved hugely popular, broadcasting both Races 1 and 2 of the CAMS Australian GT Trophy Series presented by Pirelli in full to fans around the globe.
Greg Taylor and Barton Mawer (Adina Apartment Hotels Audi R8) claimed the Trophy Class victory in both races, but not before having to battle with rivals Garth Rainsbury/Ben Porter (Melbourne Performance Centre Dodge Viper) and the impressive Lamborghini of Matthew Turnbull (Fire Rating Solutions).
Taking second for the round in Trophy Class was Rob Smith, the Southern Star Developments Audi R8 LMS turning in two fast and consistent races to lock down the spot ahead of Jan Jinadasa in third.
A damaged floor on the Tusk Windsor Lamborghini Gallardo forced an early end to Francis Plancentino’s weekend while the Jed Wallis/Adam Wallis enjoyed a trouble free run to take fifth.
Con Whitlock (Whitlock Bull Bars) enjoyed his racing return at the wheel of his Audi R8 LMS, taking home 82 points after the opening round.
The addition of the MARC Cars Class provided an exciting new dimension to the racing and gave the Australian-made purpose built racers a warm welcome into their new home in the domestic racing scene.
At the wheel of a MARC V8, Jake Camilleri showed the huge potential the cars possess, remaining in contention at the front of the field throughout the weekend.
The exciting combination of Morgan Haber/Jimmy Vernon proved they’ll be ones to watch in future too while a three-way battle between Tony Alford, Michael Benton/Ryan McLeod and Geoff Taunton/Sam Gerrard kept the fans on their feet.
Making his debut at Sandown, Scott Hookey (Exotic Track Days) showed he’s a strong contender for the Challenge Class title with a near perfect weekend.
Hookey’s performance was one of the highlights of the weekend as the Ferrari 458 Challenge ran door to door with Trophy and MARC Class rivals.
A combative performance from Ockert Fourie and Brendan Cook (KPH Racing/OLOF Family Cosmetic Dental Spa) saw the Porsche claim second in class for the weekend.
Rounding out the Challenge class, Jim Manolis/Ryan Millier endured a tough weekend in the unique Maserati Trofeo. Having not turned a wheel in six years the duo were enthusiastic following qualifying only for an engine problem to rule them out of Race 2.
With fast, competitive and clear racing up and down the field, highlighted by a number of stunning drives, the opening round of the CAMS Australian GT Trophy Series presented by Pirelli proved both a hugely popular and successful addition to the CAMS Shannons Nationals.
“The first round of the CAMS Australian GT Trophy Series presented by Pirelli was a complete success,” commented Ken Collier, Australian GT Category Manager.
“We had 16 competitors join us at Sandown for first round of the CAMS Shannons Nationals and they put on some fantastic racing across the weekend.
“I believe at Round 2 we’ll have more competitors again; the word is already out about how successful the opening round was!”
The second round of the CAMS Australian GT Trophy Series presented by Pirelli will be held at Winton Motor Raceway on June 11-12.
