STRONG LINE UP HEADS TO PHILLIP ISLAND FOR SHANNONS NATIONALS

Strong line up heads to Phillip Island for the Shannons Nationals

The Kumho V8 Touring Cars return for their only round on the Shannons Nationals bill at Phillip Island on September 8-10.

Round 6 will also host the Australian Production Car 4 Hour, the Australian Prototype Series, Australian GT Trophy and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge.

Jack Smith leads Kumho V8 Touring Cars heading into second trip to Phillip Island – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

Brad Jones Racing driver Jack Smith currently holds a significant 99 point lead heading to The Island, though second placed Jordan Boys won the earlier round as support to the Supercars in April. Tyler Greenbury sits third in his Eggleston Motorsport Holden Commodore as fourth and leader of the Kumho Cup is Michael Anderson, who also showed pace at the Supercars support event.

Others to look for will be the always fast starting Jim Pollicina and Jon McCorkindale.

Bob Pearson aims to continue strong form in the Australian Production Car Series – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

Bob Pearson will hope to continue his strong form in the Australian Production Car 4 Hour having won the last six races on the trot. The Sherrins showed improved form in their BMW M4 at Queensland Raceway, as have Rod Salmon and Nathan Antunes in the Power On Racing Mercedes A45 AMG and the Ford Focus RS for Nathan Morcom and PRA Supercars driver Chaz Mostert.

Mark Laucke leads the Australian Prototype Series – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

West driver Mark Laucke takes a 48 point lead into the final round of the Australian Prototype Series. He heads Terry Peovitis, who leads the FL1 Class for Ralph Firman Racing F1000 cars and lead Radical Chris Sutton.

Australian GT Trophy Series will also be on track with Shannons Nationals at Phillip Island – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

After a record entry at Queensland Raceway, the Australian GT Trophy heads to championship leader Steve McLaughlin’s home track. The Audi driver is not expecting to have things all his own way, with Richard Gartner in his Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 GT3 becoming increasingly competitive and an army of Audis taking on the flowing circuit.

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge title will be decided at Phillip Island – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge will also culminate at The Island with Jordan Love holding an 82 point lead over Brenton Grove. Anthony Gilbertson holds a seven point lead over Sam Shahin in the Elite Class points.

Action starts at 9:00 am each day and entry is $35, which includes free entry to the pits and paddock.

We’ve got more of the latest national motorsport news in the next issue of Auto Action magazine, on sale Thursday. We’ll also keep you update with all the action from the Shannons Nationals at Phillip Island, including a livestream, on our website throughout the weekend, so make sure follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our Weekly Newsletter.