AUS: Shane Smollen Phillip Island summary

Shane Smollen Snags Maiden Round Win

Shane Smollen has continued his hot form in round four of the Australian GT Series this weekend at Philip Island; taking out the round win in the Challenge category -- the first round win since joining the Australian GT Series. After a swing in momentum last round, Smollen went into Philip Island in second place before finishing 12th outright, fourth in class.

"I'm absolutely delighted with the result. Autohaus Hamilton, Grant Geelan, Tim Watts and Stephen Brook have prepared this car fantastically," commented Smollen. "The win was made sweeter having to come home from Bali a few days early to compete."

The weekend was not entirely a smooth run for Smollen. After starting 16th an error early in the race saw Smollen run wide in turn one through sand from an earlier oil spin; forcing his 997 to spin. The second half of the race saw an effective recovery effort which saw him muscle his way to 12th -fourth in class.

In race two Smollen dodged the collection of Championship drivers on the first corner. By turn two Smollen had made up two positions in class. Throughout the race he maintained a clean, steady run. Smollen re-joined the race first in class after the mandatory pit stop; where he stayed for the remainder of the race.

Smollen has some time off until the Australian GT Series with the next round conducted at Bathurst's Mount Panorama -- the event which Shane believes will be the pinnacle of the 2010 series.

"Any opportunity to race at Bathurst should be savoured," explained Smollen. "Bathurst is a great place to race and always a learning experience."

Shane heads into round five with a narrow lead in the Challenge points. He's hoping his winning form will continue October 7-10 as he battles it out at Mt Panorama.

Shane Smollen wishes to thank the following:
- McGrath Estate Agents
- Puma

-source: tomworsleymedia.com