Tamasi holds off champion Ingram in thriller

The 2024 Precision National Sports Sedan Series ended in style with Steven Tamasi holding off champion Peter Ingram in a thrilling battle.

Despite starting all the way down in 14th, Ingram needed just two laps to fly to second and catch Tamasi.

However, catching was one thing and passing was another as the Holden Calibra resisted two challenges in The Chase.

Elsewhere Tamasi did enough to ensure Ingram could not think about challenging for the lead and took a stunning six-tenth win in the five-lap dash.

Ingram had already sealed the title with victory in the opening race of the weekend.

From pole position he held off Geoff Taunton in the opener that was shortened by a Safety Car.

Having entered the weekend with a 103-point advantage, the race win was enough to secure the crown.

It was well timed as Ingram retired from race 2 with a driveshaft issue, which allowed nearest title rival Tamasi to enjoy a drive into victory lane ahead of Ashley Jarvis and Matt Ingram.

In the final race, Tamasi and Jarvis shared the all Holden front row and the Monaro won the initial fight, but the Calibra fought back down Mountain Straight to no avail.

The Ingram brothers made some extremely aggressive moves to throw themselves into the top four.

Peter Ingram’s work was particularly impressive, rising from 14th to fourth in just four corners.

Jarvis’ time leading the way ended at The Chase where Tamasi flew around the outside.

Meanwhile, Matt Longhurst was an early victim, while Taunton and Shiels did not start.

On Lap 2 Jarvis had his work cut out keeping both Ingrams behind him and found the grass at The Esses.

Peter Ingram had a big lunge at Forrest’s Elbow and just avoided making contact with Jarvis as he snatched second.

By Mountain Straight Jarvis also lost third to Matt Ingram, who had the far superior legs.

This meant Ingram had eight minutes to slash the 2s lead Tamasi had built up.

But he only needed two minutes to catch the bumper of the Calibra.

Ingram had his first look on the third visit to The Chase, but smartly backed out of it.

Despite Ingram breathing down his neck, Tamasi was impressively keeping the champion at bay.

On Lap 5 Ingram tried to launch another attack at The Chase, but Tamasi again had an answer.

This proved to be Ingram’s last chance as the chequered flag suddenly arrived four corners later despite 1m22s still being on the clock.

The reason was Matt Ingram crawling to a halt underneath the tree and retiring from third place.

This promoted Jarvis to the podium as Michael Robinson and Steve Lacey completed the top five.

It was a special way to end the season on a special track.

Image: Mpix

Precision National Sports Sedan Series Bathurst Race 3 results

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