MARTIN WINS S5000 FEATURE

John Martin wins S5000 feature – Photo: InSyde Media

A 10s penalty handed out to Anton De Pasquale for a jumped start handed John Martin victory in the second S5000 Feature Race at The Bend Motorsport.

By HEATH McALPINE

Action began with the second qualifying heat race where the top eight were reversed placing Tim Macrow on pole after electrical gremlins had hampered his Saturday running. With these now rectified, Macrow duked it out with James Golding culminating on the Supercars driver passing the former Gold Star winner, but running wide and handing the lead back.

Opening race pacesetters Thomas Randle and Anton De Pasquale struggled to make inroads during the race with the latter damaging his wing endplate.

Macrow bridged a margin of 1.16s to take victory ahead of Golding and Martin.

There was a chaotic final event as previous race combatants Macrow and Golding tangled on the opening lap at The Hairpin leading to the introduction of the safety car.

De Pasquale led, but was deemed to have jumped the start and was handed a 10s-time penalty added to his race time, leaving John Martin in the effective lead.

Will Brown sat second, but made a mistake at The Hairpin to allow Randle through, then Martin made a mistake exiting Turn 16 giving the Tickford Super2 driver a chance to take the lead.

However, it was in vain as Martin took a tight victory ahead of Randle and Brown, the penalised De Pasquale was fourth.

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.