The penultimate round of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge heralds a welcome return to Bathurst for Thomas Sargent.
Currently leading the standings by a 39-point margin from season-long title rival Ryan Wood following a successful event at The Bend Motorsport Park last month, Bathurst provides a new challenge as it's the first time since 2009 the category has competed at the venue.
Coming off a second and a victory at The Bend Motorsport Park, Sargent took full advantage of his rival encountering a problem to finish last in Race 2 to open up the points gap to its largest all season.
Although not taking his extended lead in the standings for granted, Sargent is eager to return to the Mountain for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International after tasting success there during Easter.
In an impressive performance, Sargent alongside team owner and mentor Cameron Hill, took victory in the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour production car event driving a CHE Racing Team-built and prepared BMW M2 Competition.
In the model's debut appearance, Sargent impressed many by scoring pole, but a penalty after qualifying dropped the entry to the back. What followed was a remarkable drive as Sargent climbed from 61st and last to 22nd in two laps as he ended the opening hour third outright.
This set-up an astonishing debut victory for the CHE Racing Team and its M2, with Sargent eyeing more success at the Mountain.
Racing the Tegra Australia Porsche at the circuit will be a different proposition compared to Easter, but Sargent is keen to extend his advantage to Wood ahead of the final round at Phillip Island a fortnight later.
Sargent will be participating in the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International pre-event Circuit to City parade on Thursday evening before track action kicks off on Friday containing a practice session, qualifying and the opening race. The weekend is complete on Saturday, with two races occurring to feature as part of the Stan Sport coverage.
QUOTES
Thomas Sargent
#47 Tegra Australia/CHE Racing Team
“It’s nice to have that little bit of breathing room in the series, but it doesn’t change our approach,” said Sargent.
“We still want to go to Bathurst, do the best we can and score the maximum amount of points on offer. There are still six races to go, it’s not done yet by a long shot, but it is nice to have a little margin.
“We had an extremely good result in the BMW earlier in the year, so fingers crossed that’s a good sign and can lead us onto some good results this weekend.
“It was good to do the Bathurst 6 Hour earlier in the year as I learnt the track, I know where the bumps are and the other characteristics it provides.
“You never know, I may never do another Bathurst race again so I’m excited to go there in the Cup Car, which is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. Last time the Porsche was there, Cam won the title in it, so hopefully we can continue the success this weekend.”
