Herne hat-trick opens Aus v NZ TA2 challenge

Aussie international star Nathan Herne sent a massive statement by sweeping the opening round of the TA2 Australia v New Zealand Trans Tasman Challenge.

Herne used his experience racing Trans Am in both Australia and America to be in a league of his own.

The “Lismore Bullet” took pole with a 1:25.831 and then charged to victory in all three races at the Euromarque Motorsport Park in Christchurch.

In addition to Herne’s hat-trick Australia also swept the final race podium with Graham Cheney and Brad Gartner joining him.

“It was a great weekend for myself and it was great to be back with TA2 Racing,” Herne said. 

“They put on an awesome show, the kiwi’s did a good job at hosting us and it was great to have an Australian 1,2,3 to finish the weekend, 

“I definitely think they will bring more heat come Highlands Motorsport Park next weekend.”

However, Herne did have to fend off some resistance from quick Kiwi teenager Ben Stewart, who was the closest to his tail throughout the opening day.

Just six hundredths of a second split poleman Herne and Stewart in a nail-biting qualifying session.

When racing began Herne took control from lights out and led the whole way.

Despite the #26 Camaro controlling the race, he was under pressure from Stewart throughout.

The difference between the pair at the chequered flag was just six tenths of a second.

Completing the podium was Aussie Graham Cheney, who held off Kiwi Brent Collins.

Brad Gartner and Mark Crutcher were in a tense battle which resulted in the Australian TA2 Team Captain spinning around at Turn 9 and copping a 20 second post-race penalty, while Crutcher recovered to ninth.

Despite the Aussies taking out the top honours, the more consistent New Zealand team emerged in front on the overall point-score after the opening race.

Herne carried on his momentum in race 2 where he produced an expert performance.

Again Stewart sat a solid second before a broken axle forced him to retire on lap 5.

This allowed Herne to cruise to a commanding 18s win over Cheney.

Gartner put in a daring drive to fly from 10th to third on the road but along the journey he spun Collins and received a 10s penalty.

However, the stewards further reviewed the footage post race and reinstated Gartner’s podium having overturned the decision after Collins locked up prior to contact.

The combined points from the previous two races set the grid for the finale and produced an all Aussie front row with Herne leading Cheney.

The Kiwis were well represented right behind them with Collins and NZ captain Peter Ward on the second row, while Stewart could not start due to being unable to rebound from the mechanical issues.

Herne immediately gapped the field and began his charge to a crushing 29s victory.

This meant it quickly became evident the rest of the field were fighting for second best.

Gartner and Collins ran nose to tail during the early laps until Gartner got by.

However, Collins had the last laugh, snatching second by 3s towards the finish to complete an all Aussie podium.

In the battle of the Kiwis Crutcher was able to jump Ward to snatch fourth as Collins slopped from third to sixth.

With the battle lines drawn, the Trans-Tasman rivalry will reach a conclusion at Highlands Motorsport Park this weekend.

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