After waiting over 10 years for his first victory in the 944 Challenge series, Mark Taubitz only had to wait less than 24 hours to get his second, as he made it two from two as he took a lights-to-flag victory in Race 2 of the 944 Challenge series at Winton Motor Raceway.
Taubitz leads Lewis Williams, Brewer and the rest on lap 1. PIC: Phil Wisewould
Following Taubitz across the line again was defending series champion Chris Lewis-Williams in the Tyrepower Benalla machine, though he didn’t appear to be able to mount a serious threat to challenge for the victory. Chris had to keep one eye on his mirrors from the mid point of the race on, as they were filled by the charging Cameron Beller in the rapid #55 machine as he came from the back of the pack after his Race 1 dramas to round out the podium with a fantastic third place finish.
Taubitz, Lewis-Williams and Beller in close proximity in the final stages of the second race. PIC: Phil Wisewould
Mark Verdino and Adam Brewer had an exciting tussle with Beller before the aqua car broke clear, to leave them to fight amongst themselves, with Verdino prevailing to secure fourth place from Brewer.
Lyndon Watson & Michael Westaway had relatively lonely races to come home in 6th and 7th places respectively, ahead of new drivers Nick Carpenter and Andrew Goldman who finished in 8th and 9th positions.after Dick Howe, who crossed the line in 8th, was relegated to 10th place after receiving a 15 second post-race penalty for crossing the Pit Lane Blend Line, with John Vainoras classified in 11th position.
Jamie Westaway took over behind the wheel of Tony Westaway’s #50 car, but slipped off the track at the sweeper, receiving a puncture which caused some damage underneath the car, ending the weekend for both cars #50 & #1. for the weekend early.
Also not making the finish were Josh Brisbane and Manny Mezzasalma, with some unlucky contact as Mezzasalma spun exiting turn 9, and just tagged Brisbane as he attempted to sneak past, ending the weekend early for both cars, while Jim Mitchell also pulled off the circuit early after 3 laps
