Victory for Thomas Sargent in maiden Porsche weekend

Making his debut Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia appearance this weekend, Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour co-winner Thomas Sargent signalled his title winning credentials at Sydney Motorsport Park.  

The CHE Racing Team driver was racing in the same Porsche team manager and mentor Cameron Hill used to win last year’s Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, Sargent started off his campaign third in opening practice.

 Making the step up after a dominating performance in last year’s Australian Formula Ford title, Sargent further improved to top practice leading into qualifying on Friday night.  Continuing his strong early form, Sargent fell just 0.260s short of pole position to expected title rival Kiwi Ryan Wood.  

The two battled intensely during the first leg of the season-long Jim Richards Endurance Cup, with Sargent winning the start of the 27-lap encounter though was unable to hold off Wood for the win.  

In what was the theme this weekend, Sargent again won the start and was dominating the second event for the weekend, until a final corner skirmish involving lapped competitors forced him wide allowing Wood to take victory as the CHE Racing Team/ Tegra Australia Porsche held second.  

The final race of the weekend proved less dramatic as Sargent again made a strong start to hold off Courtney Prince into Turn 1 and take a start-to-finish victory, an emphatic way to take his first.  

Heading to Phillip Island for Round 2 of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Sargent sits just seven-points behind in the standings.  

QUOTES:  Thomas Sargent 

CHE Racing Team/Tegra Australia Porsche 991.2 GT3 Cup Car  

“It was an awesome first weekend in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series,” Sargent said.  

“We were second in qualifying as well as Races 1 and 2, but I managed to take the win in the end.  

“It was awesome to finish on a high, the racing has been tight all weekend between Ryan and myself. It was great to edge him out in that last one to take victory.  

“The car is feeling really good, I definitely progressed as a driver this weekend in both racecraft and driving technique, so it’s been a win on both counts.  

“I’m super excited for Phillip Island next month and I can’t thank my supporters enough.”