The penultimate round of the Australian MINI Challenge was held at Western Australia’s Barbagallo Raceway last weekend. Like last year, the event involved a race ending incident for Uber-Star driver Leanne Tander. The accident happened early in Race 3, and was the precursor to a disastrous restart that saw many in the field confused by the starters orders.
Confusion on the grid is never a good thing, but when back half the field are going all out, and the front half are hesitating, or just standing still, well, it will always get ugly.
Staying out of trouble, though, was series leader Paul Stokell who pretty sealed the title with a solid showing across the three races. Local driver Nathan Caratti was the star of the weekend, winning two races and finishing second in the other.
Highlights of the three races can be seen in two clips, one above, the other after the break. Interestingly, some of the commentary for Race 3 has been re-done post event. This is most noticeable with the Leanne Tander-Aaron Caratti crash. Maybe this has always happened for the highlights shows, but I haven’t noticed it before. Full coverage and original commentary from Race 3 can be seen here.
The 2009 MINI Challenge reaches its conclusion next weekend at the Sydney 500, so make sure you keep an eye on your local TV guides for Channel 7’s live coverage.
TOP TEN CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
- Paul Stokell DecoRug Racing – 912
- Chris Alajajian Standox Paints – 756
- Scott Bargwanna ROCK Energy Drinks – 717
- Grant Denyer DecoRug Racing – 702
- Nathan Caratti Glory Team Racing – 645
- BJ Cook ROCK Energy Drinks – 355.5
- John Modystach Prosurve – 331.5
- Beric Lynton Bruce Lynton MINI Garage – 301.5
- Brendan Cook Motorline MINI Garage – 186
- Aaron Caratti Messages On Hold – 177
