AUSF3: Phillip Island Circuit pre-race notes

F3 FAST FEMMES HEAD TO PHILLIP ISLAND LOOKING FOR GOLD AUGUST 11TH & 12TH ROUND 6 OF THE SHANNONS NATIONALS

After Round 5 of the Australian Formula 3 Championship at Mallala two of Australia's fastest ladies both hold down top placings in their respective classes in this year's championship.

Leanne Tander driving the Tandersport Dallara F304, is 3rd in the Gold Star Championship 9 points behind international driver Charlie Hollings and 3 points behind youngest in the Macrow dynasty Tim.

27 year old Tander must rate Phillip Island as a great chance to move forward with her outstanding record at the Island with the first win by a female in a Gold Star Race coming in May at the seaside circuit and a similar win there some years back in a National Formula Ford championship race, not to mention numerous Improved Production Car wins in her Victorian Championship year in 2005.

The other Fast Femme is Lauren Gray who has steadily driven her way to 2nd place in the National Class in the Bill Maddocks Scud Racing Dallara. 20 year old Gray is currently 97 points behind class leader Chris Barry and is fighting a back injury hoping to be race fit to claw back the points gap at the Island a place which is close to her heart win numerous races in Formula 3, Production Cars and Improved Production.

Both drivers enjoy strong family support in their quests for Formula 3 success in their respective classes, with Tander having her partner in life and racing, V8 Superstar Garth as Crew Chief and father Mark providing strong background support, whilst Gray has father Mick as part of her crew and grandfather John also there providing support and encouragement.

Can these ladies achieve GOLD in 2007, Phillip Island most likely holds the key for both their quests and no doubt the likes of Charlie Hollings, Tim Macrow, James Winslow and Marco Mapeli would like to think otherwise about what may happen at Australia's fastest and most picturesque circuit.

-credit: piarc