MARK King took the the first step in his quest for a third Australian Performance Car Championship by winning round one of 2007 at Victoria’s Winton Motor Raceway today.
King, driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8, claimed a win and a second place in today’s races after a win yesterday to compile a near-perfect opening score in the seven-round championship.
The Queenslander was heading for a hat-trick of wins in race three until beaten comprehensively in a pit stop by his closest rival this weekend, Gary Young.
Young, in another Mitsubishi, won the race by a nine-second margin – and finished second in the round points.
“I haven’t been in the championship for a year, so to win two races and lead the pointscore is a great way to come back, ” said King, champion in 2000 and 2003.
“It was great racing this weekend, especially with Gary, and my car was perfect.
“There’s no doubt the tight turns of Winton suited the four-wheel drive Lancer, but it might be different when we get to round two at Eastern Creek, which is faster and more open. ”
Third on the weekend and showing his best form ever in the championship was Barrie Nesbitt, in a Holden HSV Coupe.
After winning pole position yesterday, Nesbitt was repeatedly in the top-three action. He diced closely with fellow Holden driver Peter Floyd in the early stages of race three, although both eventually suffered problems.
Nesbitt earned a drive-through penalty for crossing the pit lane exit line after his stop and Floyd lost a wheel.
James Philip put in a forceful drive aboard his Ford FPV Falcon GT, starting last and finishing fourth.
In the Privateers Cup, teammates Anthony Loscialpo and Jim Pollicina, in identical V8 Holden HSVs, finished the race first and second, but the round winner was John Pagonas in a tiny 1.6 litre Lotus Exige.
Race two, shortened before the start from 10 laps to six, created excitement at the very first corner when Alexander, Philip and Nesbitt arrived three-abreast.
Alexander appeared to brake early and a resulting hit from Poulton turned him around. The spinning Mitsubishi then collided with Luke Searle’s BMW 130i and both cars retired with damage.
Philip pitted to replace a broken wheel and then continued to finish 16th.
Ahead of the melee, King, Young and eventually Nesbitt consolidated their places at the front of the field.
With such a short race, the pressure was on throughout. Nesbitt threatened Young repeatedly, Poulton worked into fourth place and Floyd fought his way from the back of the field to fifth at the finish.
Over the last two laps, Philip, then King, then Floyd claimed the fastest lap.
The championship moves to Sydney’s Eastern Creek International Raceway for round two on 9-11 June.
| 
|