Ethan Grigg-Gault takes second Excel Nationals title in tough WA battle.

The 2023 CERA Circuit Excel Nationals have been run and won at Wanneroo Raceway last weekend with Ethan Grigg-Gault taking his second nationals title in a row.

However, it was a tough battle for Grigg-Gault with several other top competitors fighting him to the end to take the coveted number 1.

AUTO ACTION’s Western Australian State reporter Mick Oliver was on hand to cover the action and supply the images.

This event was run in conjunction with Round 7 of the Western Australia State Championships. A massive field of 27 Excels fronted for the weekend, including several Eastern States team that made the trip to the West including the defending champion Ethan Grigg-Gault.

Brett Sherriff, Zane Rinaldi, eventual Nationals winner Ethan Grigg-Gault with Jack Clohessy tucked in behind battle it out for the 2023 Excel Nationals – Image Mick Oliver

HEAT 1

The first heat start was delayed due to the car of Anthony Jewell had to be removed from the pits due to a fuel leak. When the race started Ethan Grigg-Gault led the field away followed by Brett Sherriff, Jack Clohessy, and Zane Rinaldi. On lap 4 Zane Rhodes who was running in the top ten left the track in turn 7 and executed a slow roll in the sand.

The race was red flagged and the race was declared a no race and was abandoned.

HEAT 2

Heat two saw Sherriff lead away at the start from Grigg-Gault, Rinaldi, and Clohessy. This group opened a narrow gap over the field. The next lap saw Grigg-Gault make a pass on Rinaldi and move into second. Grigg-Gault made the move on Sherriff and take the lead on lap seven only to be displaced by Sherriff and Rinaldi on the next lap. Grigg-Gault came back and passed Rinaldi on the last lap but couldn’t catch Sherriff who took the win.

HEAT 3

Heat three saw both Anthony Jewell and Zane Rhodes return to the fray. Grigg-Gault took the lead at the start and led the leading group until lap 9 when Rinaldi passed both Grigg-Gault and Sherriff to take the lead and held on to take a narrow win. Sherriff who finished second was given a 5 sec penalty for exceeding track limits.

This promoted Grigg-Gault to second and Jack Clohessy to third. Anthony Jewell’s meeting went from bad to worse when he was disqualified for being underweight.

Sherriff got the best start and led Rinaldi and Grigg-Gault at the end of the first lap in Race 1. Lap 6 saw Rinaldi in the lead from Grigg-Gault and Sherriff.

Michael Morabito spun in turn 4 on the next lap which brought out the safety car. At the restart Grigg-Gault moved into the lead and opened a gap over the others. Rinaldi and Sherriff exchanged places several times over the next few laps. Grigg-Gault took the win from Sherriff and Rinaldi.

THE 2023 EXCEL NATIONALS 20 LAP FINAL.

The 20-lap final was dominated by Grigg-Gault who opened a gap early whilst Sherriff, Rinaldi and Clohessy fought over the minors. Grigg-Gault took the hard fought win and the title whilst Clohessy took second from Sherriff who held off Rinaldi at the line.

GRIGG-GAULT GOES BACK TO BACK

For Ethan Grigg-Gault the long haul across the Nullarbor to Wanneroo was worth the effort it as it was back-to-back CERA Circuit Excel Nationals wins. This followed his 2022 Nationals title he won at Morgan Park in October 2022 and shows that he has the talent to rise through the ranks of the sport with some support.

Ethan Grigg-Gault and his team celebrate their success in winning the 2023 CERA Excel Nationals at Wanneroo. Image Ethan Grigg-Gault facebook.

“After a crazy few weeks and some actual phone service, we’re back home and with another national championship!” 2023 champion, Grigg-Gault said.

“Over 8 thousand kilometres driven, a few issues along the way, and enough fuel used to power an intercontinental ballistic missile.

“Awesome four days at the 2023 Hyundai Excel Nationals Perth…new track, huge challenges and tough racing. Congrats to all the competitors who put on a great weekend of racing!

“Can’t wait to have a crack at the 3 round national series next year. What a great concept from CERA Australia and Dunlop Tyres Australia & New Zealand, just shows what a great class circuit excel has become!

“Just like to thank all my family, friends and sponsors who made this trip a possibility. Without you, this whole thing wouldn’t have been achievable.”

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