After a close finish at the front in qualifying earlier today saw Danny Baker (Ralt RT1) take pole with Wade Carter (March 76B), Stephen Romak (March 80A) not far behind, the battle at the front began with plenty of promise from Todd Willing (March 78B) and Dwight Matheson (March 76B) in pursuit.  Gray Gregory, following his Chevron B39’s right front brake failure in qualifying, was able to make the grid with plenty of time to spare after a loose bleed screw was identified as the issue.

Pre-grid went smoothly and the entire field was off to a rolling start when, on lap 3, Gregory’s right front wheel began to smoke just before of the pit entrance, brake caliper failure the cause this time.

Behind him and heading for turn 11 were Dalmo de Vasconcelos (Ralt RT1) and Kyle Buxton (March 77B) running alongside.  The two came together in a racing incident that took both cars out of the race as they approached the main straight.

The safety car was out on track quickly, and both drivers were unhurt as their cars finally cleared with just minutes to spare in the timed event.  With 10 laps completed and 7 under the safety car, the race was restarted and Dwight Matheson (March 76B) ended up finishing a place higher in P5, and Chris Bender (March 76B) managed to advance two positions from 10th on the grid to P8 at the checkered flag.  Danny Baker took the win and fastest lap at 1:26.402s with Wade Carter finishing just .445s behind him in second.

De Vasconcelos' Ralt RT1 was retired for the remainder of the weekend with a cracked transmission case, but fortunately was able to loan a usable front caliper that will have Gray Gregory able to compete in tomorrow’s running.