The 2021 Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships has officially launched, delivering an exhilarating day of racing filled with highs and lows thanks to the variable weather conditions. As the competition unfolded on Saturday, 13 March 2021, participants encountered both bright sunshine and heavy rain, creating a challenging atmosphere at Phillip Island.
Looking ahead, Sunday's schedule may require adjustments due to the rain, which caused delays in the National Trans Am Series and the Porsche 944 Challenge, preventing them from commencing their second and first races respectively. Updates regarding the timetable will be disseminated through motorsportaustraliachampionships.com.au and various social media platforms.
In the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, Chaz Mostert etched his name into the series' history book by securing the largest winning margin in the competition's second season. "It feels incredible to achieve this record in such tough conditions," said Mostert after his impressive victory. The Melbourne Performance Centre driver piloted his Audi to a commanding 30-second lead over teammate Luke King after 14 laps, navigating through the pouring rain.
Lee Holdsworth, driving for Ash Seward Motorsport in an Alfa Romeo, completed the podium in third place. This result has significant implications for the standings, pushing Jordan Cox out of the series lead. The TCR Australia Series is set for two more races on Sunday, which highlight the ongoing battle in the championship.
Turning to the VHT S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship, the day's racing showcased a blend of experience and youth. After a challenging start, Macrow, a dual Motorsport Australia Gold Star winner, noted, "My launch in the opening race was one of the best in my career," despite the abrupt deployment of the Hyundai Safety Car due to a stalled vehicle on the grid. Following the restart, he regained control and established a lead over Thomas Randle and Nathan Herne.
However, the spotlight shone particularly on 17-year-old Cooper Webster, who demonstrated exceptional skill beyond his years. He clinched an impressive victory in the second race, finishing just over one second ahead of Randle. Randle’s performance solidified his lead in the standings with 14 points above Tim Macrow, who finished in fifth place.
The S5000 drivers will face the challenge of a final race on Sunday to determine the overall winner of the Phillip Island round.
In the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Ryan Suhle carried over his momentum from a strong qualifying session to win the first race, overcoming strong competition from Bayley Hall, who trailed by just half a second. "I had to fight hard to protect my position," Suhle remarked after the race. Courtney Prince made an impressive debut, claiming third place just a second behind Suhle.
The second race presented a new challenge for Suhle, whose lock-up at Turn Four cost him the lead, allowing Callum Hedge of Earl Bamber Motorsport to seize victory in his debut race. Hedge's triumph was even more notable as it marked the team's first win on Australian soil. Tom Taplin followed closely behind to claim third place.
Over in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS, Garth Tander and Yasser Shahin delivered a solid performance in the inaugural race of the GT Championship. Tander's authoritative win came 14 seconds ahead of the competition, namely the Triple Eight Mercedes-AMG drivers Jamie Whincup and Prince Jefri Ibrahim. Chaz Mostert's remarkable drive saw him claim third alongside teammate Tony Bates.
The race brought significant drama early on, with Aston Martin’s Michael Bailey colliding with the Turn Three tire barrier, prompting a series of mishaps among other drivers. The event concluded on a similarly chaotic note, with Wayne Mack’s Ferrari skidding as rain began to fall again at the track.
In the National Trans Am Series, Aaron Seton was unable to convert his pole position into a victory, with Owen Kelly edging him out for the win by a narrow margin in the first race. "It was a fierce battle right to the line," said Kelly. The race saw an intense competition between the two Ford Mustang pilots, with Herne completing the podium.
Saturday’s second race was ultimately postponed due to the adverse weather, rescheduling two planned races for Sunday, ensuring the excitement of the Trans Am Series continues.
As teams regroup and strategize for what lies ahead, all eyes will be on the renewed schedule set to unfold on Sunday at Phillip Island. The mix of the drivers' tenacity and the unpredictable weather ensures that the 2021 Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships will be a season to remember.
