Series top guns go well – but youngest competitor could also be a factor at Highlands
The leading lights in the Bridgestone GR86 Championship were all inside the top ten as the 25 drivers limbered up for the weekend’s fourth round at Highlands Motorsport Park at Cromwell with two unofficial test sessions.
Hugo Allan – sitting third in the points table - was straight into his rhythm in the first of those sessions, edging Chris White by just two hundredths of a second. Zach Blincoe was a further tenth behind, with Josh Bethune fourth and Arthur Broughan in fifth.
Next up was Teretonga feature winner Justin Allen ahead of Hayden Lines and championship leader Hayden Bakkerus. Cormac Murphy was tenth fastest. Simon Hunter – in a new car after last weekend’s big crash - was an impressive 14th fastest overall, just a second off the fastest time.
That was a nice reward for the mechanics who had spent a significant amount of time mid-week prepping the car to keep Simon’s championship challenge on track.
Allan was there again in the second session pointing to a more competitive weekend ahead. A surprise second behind him was the youngest racer in the championship, Ajay Giddy, and if he can maintain that form in Friday practice he could be a factor in the action this weekend.
Bethune was third, confirming he will have pace this weekend while championship leader Bakkerus was there again in fourth ahead of White.
Allan credited a return to form – at least in testing – on several factors, including the fact that he enjoys this circuit more than most.
“I feel like this is almost a home circuit for me as I enjoy it so much. It has a bit of everything,” said the CareVets Racing star.
“My team iMac Racing have given me what appears to be a very good car to begin this weekend. Tomorrow’s practice will be crucial but I’m looking forward to it.”
