Jason Bright and Volkswagen take out first TCR Australia Series race

Jason Bright and Volkswagen have written their names into the carsales TCR Australia Series history books, becoming the first-ever race winners at Sydney Motorsport Park today.

Bright, a former Bathurst 1000 winner and the oldest driver in the field, used all of his touring car experience to claim a win that puts his name in the records books.

The 46-year-old qualified second for the 16 lap race and burned away from pole-sitter Tony D’Alberto. Once Bright was in front, he could not be caught.

D’Alberto, driving his Honda Australia-supported Civic Type-R, would eventually finish second, unable to match the speed of Bright. he was forced to withstand an attack from the Hyundai of Will Brown, but eventually managed the threat and finished a comfortable second.

Brown crossed the line third despite a a minor mechanical issue in the closing laps.

Dylan O’Keefe (Alfa Romeo) finished fourth, applying pressure to Brown on the last lap but was unable to get close enough to challenge.

Dutchman Rik Breukers (Audi) passed Nathan Morcom (Hyundai) late in the race, with the top 10 was completed by John Martin (Honda), Aaron Cameron (Volkswagen), Chris Pither (Renault) and Andre Heimgartner (Subaru).

Friday’s pacesetter Michael Almond saw his Hyundai damaged in a battle for fifth place early in the race. The Astrontech-supported i30 N was forced to pit to fix damage on his bonnet.

The Renault of James Moffat failed to make the start after a turbo issue on the warm-up lap. The car is repaired and will be ready for the two races tomorrow.

The carsales TCR Australia Series returns to Sydney Motorsport Park tomorrow for two more 30 minute races. The races can be seen live, free and in HD on SBS, or on the livestream.

Results: TCR Australia Race 1, Sydney Motorsport Park