Jones breaks into the top ten in first race of Darwin Triple Crown
The three Brad Jones Racing Toyota GR Supra’s finished line astern in the opening race at Darwin’s Hidden Valley.
The team take a lot of positives from the result and look to build on the
Race 17
35 laps
Andre Heimgartner (#8 R&J Batteries GR Supra), qualified 10th
Macauley Jones (#96 Dormer HVAC Racing GR Supra) qualified 14th
Cameron Hill (#14 FGI Racing GR Supra) qualified 15th
Jones had some great momentum in Race 17. He was called to the lane for two tyres on Lap 18 and he closed the gap to the next car and was running close to them before the Safety Car was called. Unfortunately he wasn’t able to get through but he still recorded a top 10 finish.
Heimgartner is still looking for a little bit more out of the R&J Batteries GR Supra. He stopped for four tyres late in the race and made a couple of positions with the fresh tyres, finishing just behind Jones in 11th.
Rounding out the three BJR cars at the flag was Hill in 12th. The #14 FGI Racing Supra was the first of the BJR contingent to stop, coming in on Lap 7 for two rear tyres.
SUPER2
Super2 drivers Brad Vaughan and Matt Hillyer have had a steady start to the weekend at Hidden Valley Raceway.
Vaughan finished both Practice sessions inside the 10 with Hillyer in the 10 for Practice 1.
There are two races across Saturday and Sunday for the Super2 series.
Brad Vaughan (Precision International #80 ZB Commodore) is feeling positive heading into Saturday and is looking to put his green tyre lap together and continue his championship lead.
Matt Hillyer (Kangan Institute #2 ZB Commodore) is happy with his progress and is hoping to capitalise in Qualifying tomorrow morning.
QUOTEBOARD
SUPERCARS
Andre Heimgartner, #8 R&J Batteries Toyota GR Supra
“Day was okay, solid points in the end but a bit frustrating. There's some certain characteristics the car has handling wise and just struggling to get around it and figure it out, so I’ll try again tomorrow. It’s our more preferred tyre so hopefully it lights it up and we have a good day. A little bit frustrated but good for Macauley to get a Top 10.”
Cameron Hill, #14 FGI Racing Toyota GR Supra
“Pretty busy day with practice, quali and a race. Just need to do a little bit of work. We’re not missing much, it’s such a close field but I think if we can make our car a tenth or two better, we could be at the pointy end. So, not too disappointed with 12th in the race but there’s definitely still work to do.”
Macauley Jones, #96 Dormer HVAC Racing Toyota GR Supra
“My day wasn’t too bad. I feel like we raced forward which was good. We’ve come off the back of Tassie with a few changes and it’s feeling like we’re going in the right direction which is nice. I feel like the team is all very similar and the times seem to be similar so I feel like we can make improvements for Quali tomorrow and then hopefully that’ll set us up for a decent race as well. It’s going to be hotter tomorrow so bring on the heat.”
SUPER2
Brad Vaughan #80 Brad Jones Racing ZB Commodore
“Good day of practice, learning a new track for both me and Matt. I didn't quite maximise the green run on the new tyres at the end of practice two but that's okay there's no points for practice. We’ll tune her up and I'm sure we'll be on it tomorrow.”
Matthew Hillyer, #2 Brad Jones Racing ZB Commodore
“Two practice sessions for us today. First time around her for me so I’ve just been learning the track. It’s heaps of fun and fast flowing. The car feels speedy and ready to go for Qualifying tomorrow.”