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The fight for the 2022 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge took a dramatic turn, but not for Thomas Sargent as he extended his lead in the standings at The Bend Motorsport Park.
Sargent held a tight nine-point advantage, but extended this to 46 following The Bend, with just two rounds remaining at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International and Phillip Island as part of the season ending Island Magic meeting.
As expected, Sargent’s season-long battle with Earl Bamber Motorsport’s Ryan Wood continued as the New Zealander took pole for the opening race of the weekend. However, Sargent led the way for the opening two laps in a robust battle before ceding to his rival to finish second and maintain his record of failing to finish outside the top two this season.
The 45-minute endurance race was again led away by Sargent as the CHE Racing Team crew made some tweaks between the two races and it proved advantageous. With improved pace, Sargent proved a match for Wood as the latter encountered mechanical problems after a safety car period to be classified 23rd.
Sargent took full advantage to win the endurance race and crucially open up the title fight for the first time this season.
In a repeat of the Sandown event, the weather ensured the third and final race was abandoned following three exploration laps under safety car leaving Sargent holding an extended margin before Bathurst.
In an exciting development announced prior to the final race, Sargent will move to the Porsche Carrera Cup North America Series next year further proving the success of the CHE Racing Team development pathway through Formula Ford and both tiers of Australian Porsche racing.
Sargent’s Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge campaign continues at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International on November 11-13.
QUOTES
Thomas Sargent
#47 Tegra Australia/CHE Racing Team
“There were mixed conditions here at The Bend for the fourth event of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at The Bend, but we grabbed the round win in the end,” said Sargent.
“I qualified second as I just didn’t quite nail my good lap, so Ryan got me there in the end. He got me in Race 1 as well, but we made a few changes and it was a lot better for the next event and I grabbed the win. Unfortunately, Ryan had a little bit of a mishap, but yet again we have to capitalise on these things.
“Race 3 was treacherous to say the least and we circulated under safety car, but it was deemed not able to run. Although it was disappointing, the right call was made in the end.
“I’m really stoked to achieve the round win and I’m looking forward to Bathurst in three weeks time.”
Cameron Hill
Team Owner, CHE Racing
“We’ve finished Round 4 of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at The Bend and it was very successful,” Hill said.
“Tom took the win in the endurance race and the round to extend his title.
“I’m really happy with how the weekend went, obviously the Sunday race was rained out, but it was better to probably put all the cars away to keep it nice and straight for Bathurst in a few weeks time.”
