Thomas Sargent wins Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge at Sandown

 CHE Racing Team’s Thomas Sargent leaves Sandown with his points lead intact in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge after victory in the final race of Round 3.
 

Melbourne’s renowned fickle weather was a menace on the weekend as it provided many challenges, which Sargent successfully overcame.
 

Entering the third round of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge holding a 10-point advantage in the standings from New Zealander Ryan Woods following a clean-sweep at Queensland Raceway, Sargent’s aim was to build the momentum further.
 

After leading both practice sessions, a wet qualifying session was heavily interrupted as Sargent gave the wall a nudge and still qualified fourth.
 

Making position early during the opening race, Sargent progressed to second behind Wood as the weather continued to play havoc.
 

Race 2 of the weekend was cancelled due to the heavy rain experienced at the venue leaving the 45-minute ‘mini-enduro’ to go on Sunday morning.
 

Again, the changeable conditions led to a debate on what type of tyres to run right up until the formation lap as Sargent elected to change *wets* and started from pit lane.
 

This proved the right tyre choice as he carved his way through the field to engage in another thrilling battle with Wood, but this time Sargent held the ascendency despite losing half of his front splitter during the contest.
 

Sargent continues to lead the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge heading to The Bend Motorsport Park on October 21-23.
 

QUOTES
 

Thomas Sargent
#47 Tegra Australia/CHE Racing Team
 

“Pretty treacherous weekend here at Sandown for Round 3 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series, we ended up finishing second overall,” summarised Sargent.
 

“We tied for first on points with Ryan (Woods), but due to the count back he got the round win due to qualifying on pole.
 

“Pretty good weekend, Race 1 we ended up going from fourth to second, it was a bit of a short one due to safety cars and only ended up getting three laps, so I was really happy with that one. Race 2 unfortunately was called off due to some pretty extreme wet weather so we didn’t end up running that one.
 

“We had Race 3 this morning which was the 45-minute enduro. We finished first in the end, which was really cool after we started from pit lane. We went out on slicks and worked out it was probably wet weather tyres so we boxed for wets.
 

“We put wets on and drove all the way through the field. I had a pretty close battle with Ryan (Wood) in the end, just got the win. P2 for the round, which is really good and awesome points.
 

“Tailem Bend in about a month’s time is next, so I’m really looking forward to that and we’ll see how we go.”