INTERNATIONAL WRAP: SILK WAY RALLY & AUSSIES OVERSEAS
Cyril Despres and David Castera win Silk Way Rally – Photo: Red Bull Media
SILK WAY RALLY
Peugeot’s Cyril Despres and David Castera have claimed back to back wins in the Silk Way Rally after a gruelling 15 day and nearly 10,000 km journey between Moscow, Russia and Xi’an China.
The 2016 winners backed up their performance, claiming the win with a one hour lead over their nearest competitor at the end of the 14th stage. The 15th and final stage of the event was abandoned as a competitive stage due to poor weather.
“It’s been a fantastic rally, a huge adventure, and I’m very happy to continue my progression as a car driver with another win here: on an event that I’m very fond of.” said Despres after his second victory.
“To set off in Moscow and end up in China…it’s really an amazing event.”
“Now we look forward to the Dakar Rally, where we were third last year, so winning here is the best preparation.” Despres continued
Fellow Frenchmen Christian Lavieille and Jean-Pierre Garcin finished second for Chinese manufacturer Baic Motor. While the Chinese team of Wei Han and Liao Min crossed the line third in their Geely Buggy.
Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena crashed out on the ninth stage – Photo: Red Bull Media
Fellow Peugeot driver, Sébastien Loeb along with co-driver Daniel Elena, crashed out of the event on ninth stage while testing the manufacturers new Dakar challenger, the Peugeot 3008DKR Maxi. While the car was able to be repaired, Loeb sustained a severely sprained his left index finger. As a result, the team elected to sit him out the rest of the event.
Dmitry Sotnikov, Akhmadeev Kamaz and Ilnur Mustafin of the Kamaz-Master team took out the honours in the truck class.
NASCAR – INDIANAPOLIS – ROUND 20
Kasey Kahne wins Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis – Photo: LAT
Kasey Kahne ended his 102-race winless streak to take victory in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.
In what was a lengthy race due to stoppages. Kahne took the win with a sensational restart on the inside line to beat out Brad Keselowski at the start of the second overtime period. Chaos further down the order, with yet another crash, caused the race to end under caution.
The race finish of the race was severely delayed featured with three red flag stoppages. The first of which, a 107 minute delay due to rain and lightning. While the second two were as a result of accidents.
“To win at this track is unreal. We used to always be really close. We lost to Jeff (Gordon) and we lost to Tony (Stewart); just some fast cars back then.” said Kahne after the race.
AUSSIES OVERSEAS
Max Johnston made his NASCAR Truck Series debut as Eldora – Photo: LAT
NASCAR TRUCKS SERIES – ELDORA DIRT DERBY
Max Johnston made his NASCAR Truck Series debut earlier in the week.
He started the famous Eldora Dirt Derby in 22nd, before moving his way up to 15th at the end of the first segment of the race. Unfortunately the Aussie spun during the second segment at Turn 4, where he was collected by Korbin Forrister and Ben Rhodes. Ending the race for all three drivers.
IMSA SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP – LIME ROCK PARK
Ford’s Ryan Briscoe (along with teammate Richard Westbrook) took out fifth in the IMSA Sportscar Championship race at Lime Rock Park. The duo were on track for a podium result, trying to stretch their fuel in a race that went green from start to finish, but were unable to make the numbers work and had make a late pitstop. Dropping them to fifth.
James Davison, who stepped in to drive a Aston Martin Vantage prepared by The Racers Group (TRG) squad over the weekend, finished finished 13th in the GTD class after suffering a late technical problem with his car.
ELMS – RED BULL RING
Aussie James Allen recorded a fourth place finish with the Graff team during the ELMS 4 Hours of the Red Bull Ring.
Allen along with teammates Richard Bradley, and Gustavo Yacaman finished a lap behind the leaders in the LMP2 class.
Ricky Capo wasn’t so fortunate behind the wheel of the Eurointernational Ligier in the LMP3 class. Completing just 44 laps after contact with Jakub Smiechowski, who spun in front of the Australian.
FORMULA RENAULT – RED BULL RING
Thomas Randle was the best of the Aussies in the two Formula Renault races at the Red Bull Ring, in support of the ELMS 4 Hour race.
Randle scored a fourth place finish in the first race and sixth in the second. Further down the order Alex Peroni finished with a 14th and 12th. Thomas Maxwell a 15th and DNF after contact during a battle for 10th. Luis Leeds notched up a 19th and 24th. While Zane Goddard had an issue in the first race to 29th, two laps off the pace, and 16th in the second race.
FIM SPEEDWAY – BRITISH GP
Jason Doyle had a successful weekend with the FIM Speedway Champsionship round in Cardiff, Wales.
Doyle finished the round second, after winning two of his seven heats. Earning enough points in the process to move into the lead of the Speedway World Championships.
NISSAN MICRA CUP – CIRCUIT MONT-TREMBLANT
Keishi Ayukai finished the weekend Quebec with a fifth and sixth place finish in the two races at the Circuit Mont Tremblant. It wasn’t an ideal preparation for the Aussie, having to skip the test day due to a limited budget. He was further disadvantaged in by having to qualify and race on used tyres, again due to the budget.
For a more detailed analysis of the weekends international motorsport, pick up the next issue of Auto Action Magazine, on sale Thursday. In the mean time make sure you follow Auto Action on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest updates.
