Shane Van Gisbergen's Stunning Debut Victory

Shane Van Gisbergen's Stunning Debut Victory At Manfeild.

Toyota Racing Series debutant, Shane Van Gisbergen (ManukauCity), has caused a sensation on the first day of the final round of the International segment of the Series by winning the first race of the weekend and take the points lead with just two races remaining. Van Gisbergen's day was dominant to say the least as he was also the fastest qualifier to earn his second pole position start of the season. Second in today's race was Andy Knight (Christchurch ) ahead of Daniel Gaunt (Auckland). Van Gisbergen's victory was all the sweeter when he heard he had set a new lap record for the Toyota class so he will also start Sunday's Race 2 from pole position.

The morning's qualifying was filled with controversy as Van Gisbergen beat his International Motorsport team-mate for pole position with Knight claiming a well deserved 3rd grid spot. The other sensation was Christina Orr's return to form by claiming 4th on the grid ahead of Ben Harford (Wellington ) and Barton Mawer (Camden, NSW).

This afternoon's race was almost as dramatic as Knight quickly powered past Gaunt on the opening lap and set off in pursuit of Van Gisbergen but despite several challenges under braking, was unable to overtake. Harford made short work of Orr following a short safety car period although the two cars are reported to have made light contact on the first lap. Harford held onto 4th to the chequered flag while Orr defended her position to claim 5th ahead of Nelson Hartley (Palmerston North). Nic Jordan (Hamilton) came home a solid 7th while Kenny Smith (ManukauCity) recorded a superb 8th on his welcome return to the Series after missing the last round. Earl Bamber (Wanganui) and Marc Doran (Queenstown) rounded off the top ten.

As the battle for the lead intensified, several clashes were taking place down the field involving Mawer, Hartley, Daynom Templeman (Auckland) and Leanne Tander (Melbourne). Templeman, Mawer and Tander all found themselves in the gravel traps although the first two managed to extract themselves to record race finishes. Unfortunately the anticipated Aussie versus Kiwi battle of the females between Christina Orr and Leanne Tander did not eventuate but Sunday's racing could see closer racing between the two.

The 17 year old Van Gisbergen was cool in accepting his win with the knowledge there is still a long day to go with two races on Sunday:

"It's awesome to get my first win in the Toyota Series ahead of Andy and Daniel as I struggled at the start but then built a gap and held it. I think we got the lap record as well so am looking forward to starting from pole position tomorrow" he explained after the race.

The grid for tomorrow morning's race will see Shane Van Gisbergen on pole position with Andy Knight alongside. Kenny Smith will sensationally start form 3rd ahead with Daniel Gaunt in 4th. The remainder of the grid will be: Ben Harford, Nelson Hartley, Christina Orr, Nic Jordan, Leanne Tander and Marc Doran (Queenstown). Race 2 of the weekend will start at 10:20am on Sunday with the 20 lap feature race set to go at 1:50pm in which drivers will battle for the coveted Dan Higgins Trophy.

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