Kiwi Ryan Wood’s battle for the overall lead in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series at The Bend Motorsport Park was made difficult first by a mechanical issue then by inclement weather and race stewards calling the third race a ‘No Race’, meaning no points would be awarded.
Tegra Australia driver Thomas Sargent’s championship lead was on a knife’s edge following the opening sprint race of the weekend after finishing second to nearest rival Ryan Wood – taking their streak of 1-2 finishes to eight, with four wins each.
The pair were then battling furiously throughout the early stages of the 22-lap Jim Richards Endurance Trophy race (Race 2), Sargent fending off attack after attack from the team Porsche New Zealand / Earl Bamber Motorsport entry.
However, Wood’s car dramatically slowed following a mid-race Safety Car, fuel pressure issues ultimately forcing the young Kiwi out of the race.
In such a tight season, it was a critical moment in the pair’s ongoing title battle as the series enters the second half of the year.
Rival Thomas Sargent has now gained an advantage in their title chase.
The next round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia will see the series return to Mount Panorama, Bathurst, at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International on November 11-13.
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