Ben McCashney qualified fastest for the final round of the Aussie Racing Cars Series today at Gold Coast’s Indy Street Circuit setting up a fierce battle for round and series victory with his closest rivals.
McCashney is coming off his maiden round victory at Sandown last month and currently sits fourth in the Series. His closest Series rivals, Brad Ward, James Ward and Paul Kemal made up the top four in qualifying to begin a battle royal in the streets of Surfers Paradise.
“This weekend is all about winning and staying out of trouble as we can’t afford any mistakes if we want to win this title; starting on pole is one step towards that, ” McCashney said.
“This is our second pole for the year and if things go to plan we will come away with another round victory. ”
Kemal is also in the hunt for the title and qualified a mere one tenth behind McCashney, while James and Brad Ward following in third and fourth respectively at the technically demanding circuit.
David Lawrence succumbed to a gearbox drama early while running inside the top five and despite the problem still finished seventh.
Brad Lowe, Bob Munday and Richie Rappa were not as fortunate; with Lowe found the concrete after just one lap while Munday and Rappa were unable to post a time due to mechanical issues.
The honor for fastest Masters Cup runner belonged to Tasmanian Ryan Flynn who qualified eighth overall despite never racing around the circuit before.
“It is great to be at the front of the field and avoid all the middle pack congestion that happens at every race, ” Flynn said.
“Unfortunately we have some kind of problem with second gear so getting that fixed before the first race is a major priority but otherwise the car is working fantastically. ”
Tom Vececivic and local Steve MacGregor were second and third in Masters Cup and were also inside the top 15. The major challenger to MacGregor’s Masters Cup title, Shane Wolki, was further down the order in 19th overall.
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