Johnson dominates in Darwin

Steven Johnson has carried on his strong Darwin form by controlling the opening Touring Car Masters race.

After winning two of the three races in the last TCM trip to Hidden Valley in 2018, Johnson led all 11 laps without danger and emerged eight tenths clear of Joel Heinrich and Ryan Hansford.

There was plenty of action behind however, with great battles and incidents occurring at Turn 1. 

Pro Am went to Adam Garwood with the leading PS car rookie Scott Cameron in seventh.

Johnson and Heinrich front row and it was an even drag race before the Brut Mustang emerged ahead with Hanford giving him a boost from behind, while further back Tony Karanfilovski spun around.

Hansford’s aggression saw his Torana jump past Heinrich’s Camaro into second, leaving the latter to get his elbows out against Buzadzic and Garwood.

The Trophy Race winner had to fight with a flat spot after strangely locking up moments prior to the rolling start.

By the start of Lap 3 Heinrich had found his pace and attacked Hansford.

The Whiteline Racing driver pounced on the Multispares Racing Torana at Turn 5 to seal second.

It was well timed as it arrived just one corner prior to the Safety Car being called for Peter Burnett who found trouble at Turn 1.

Burnett ran wide at the hairpin and could not regain control of his Torana on the slippery grass and careered head on into the fence.

Racing resumed with five minutes left on the clock and Johnson nailed it while Garwood and Buzadzic went side by side with the VB Commodore gaining track position by climbing the kerb.

Jamie Tiley tried to join them from behind but contact was made and Buzadzic was sent into a spin.

With the Brut Mustang opening the best part of a second straight away, Heinrich was on the defence from Hansford.

Jeremy Hassell had to dive to the pits with dramas on his #78 Torana while Cannon was also slowing in his Falcon. Hughes #84 also bowled a wide at Turn 5.

Jim Pollicina and Marcus Zukanovic had a good final lao tussle for fifth.

Zukanovic made a big dive at Turn 1 and detecting this Pollicina allowed the XD Falcon to fly by, but smartly performed the switchback to regain track position.

Their battle went all the way to the chequered flag with Zukanovic making a late run to the line, but fell two tenths short.

The second Touring Car Masters race is at 13.45 ACST.

Image: James Smith Photographer

Touring Car Masters Race 1 results

Saturday, June 15

08.55 Race 1

13.45 Race 2

Sunday, June 16

13.10 Race 3

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