SYDNEY 300 RUNDOWN

20 May

Drivers Ronin Linden-Mayer and Michael Buckley had a blast over the weekend taking on the Pitcher Partners Sydney 300. Both drivers new faces amongst the crowd and stepping into the higher level of racing in the RaceAway Mazda MX5. The goal for the weekend - race with the big kids and bring the car home, and boy did they do just that.

The times started out around 2:08 during practice, and knocked off 2 seconds for qualifying. Head coach Phil Alexander commenting that the drivers in the field were really pushing their cars to the limit. This was evident when the sun went down and the Sydney 300 started. Safety flag after safety flag resulting in 19 DNF's.

The MX5 took a turn during a safety flag restart with Buckley holding his own at the front of 30 cars until turn 8 when a tap in the right hand rear caused a spin and left him exposed to the oncoming traffic. He was able to limp (emphasis on limp) the car into pit lane with the damage assessed as a steering arm, panel work and broken wheel. The crew sprung into action - race tape, jack and spare wheel at the ready. Phil's extensive knowledge in endurance racing prioritising the repairs required to effect a quick turn around. Where most teams would pack up, the crew pulled together and were able to get the car out to finish the final 5 laps and take the chequered flag.

The boys running their fastest lap - a 2:00 flat, showing a solid improvement over the weekend and continuing our 100% finish rate in the Sydney 300.

Phils comments about the weekend "it was a steep learning curve for both drivers, they gained invaluable knowledge in race craft, bring-the-car-home ethos and driving with the big kids"

A massive thanks to our stellar team, Ben Swatton, Jack Winter, Scott Freestone, Karen Alexander and Rod Tippett. You came together and got the car back on the field whilst supporting the drivers - couldn't ask for more

Shout out to Motor Racing Australia and Pitcher Partners for another fantastic event. See you next year!

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