Rookies Sweeny and Blumeris off to fast RX8 Cup debut

Bailey Sweeny and Jett Blumeris have got off to a speedy start in their RX8 Cup debuts by topping practice and qualifying respectively ahead of the opening race in Winton.

Sweeny the former TCR driver is making a racing return in Round 2 of the 2024 RX8 Cup season at Winton Motor Raceway this weekend.

After just missing out on the 2023 TCR Australia title for Hyundai, Sweeny has had a break from racing due to a lack of racing opportunities, but is back in a Mazda RX8.

Despite an extremely competitive field with 7 different race winners and 15 different podium placers over the 16 races, Sweeny has fired straight to the top.

He topped practice with a 1:37.5083, which was just 0.0421s ahead of fellow rookie Jett Blumeris.

But Blumeris went even better in qualifying, taking an impressive pole with a 1:37.2882.

The grandson of the legendary Jim Richards was two tenths clear of reigning champion Justin Barnes, while Sweeny had to settle for fifth.

Sweeny and Blumeris are joined by fellow rookies Tom Donohue and kiwi Andy Duffin.

Speaking before the race meeting, Sweeny touched on his excitement and how the opportunity came together with Maisie Place Motorsport.

“It has been a bit quiet for me racing this year and I wanted to get a bit of seat time and the RX8s looked good,” Sweeny said.

“First look is they are similar to the Toyota 86 I have raced in the past so hopefully I can get some familiarity from that.

“Maisie lives in the next town and we got to know each other through racing 

It was actually her dad Brian who was trying to get me to the races and I had no plans so we got talking and got it organised,”

The opening RX8 Cup race at Winton is at 14.10 AEST.

RX8 Cup Qualifying results

Image: RX8 Cup

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