Garry has negotiated a co-drive in the JAGDAIM Motorsport Sprinter with Brian Wheeler and Dirk Redel. Garry’s entry with the fastest Sprinter in the series is to be sponsored by Sandwood and he may be in the driver’s seat for round 4 at Winton in June.

This round is the only appearance of the Sprinters at Phillip Island. Drivers hit the track for practice with the sun still shining but showers were forecast for later in the afternoon.

As a group of cars, including Brian Wheeler, lined up in the dummy grid for the first of three timed sessions just as the heavens opened with a deluge of heavy rain. The wet track would not worry Brian as his Sprinter is shod with R2 type tyres which provide good grip and both wet and dry conditions. However, despite having grip, Brian’s lap times were slower than expected as he was hindered by other cars who were not coping with the wet conditions. 2.18.76 was Brian’s fastest lap, a long way off the lap record of 1.55.95.

The remaining Sprinters ran in light rain but still on a wet track. All times were slow but Rookie Robinson having his first run on the track in a Sprinter blitzed the rest of the field with the second fastest time of 2.21.40. Jagdaim Motorsport co-driver Redel had to settle for third fastest time of 2.23.29. Mac Krell was next with 2.28.20 followed buy Pearmain 2.33.08 who managed just two laps. Crosbie 2.33.73 led the rest of the field with John Larkins 2.37.06, Sinclair 2.38.96 and Kenna 2.40.81. Anthony Larkin in the Lites recorded 2.26.86.

The track was now drying but the weather conditions were cold and fast times were not expected. Once again the 2006 Champion, Wheeler completed his three laps, all in the 1.56’s with 1.56.20 his fastest for the second session. Redel reveled in the drier conditions and recorded a 2.01.61 to take second with Pearmain breathing down his neck with 2.01.69. Mac Krell was also faster 2.04.39 leading Sinclair 2.07.15, Crosbie 2.09.75, Robinson 2.13.29, John Larkins 2.14.47 and Kenna 2.21.05 just in front of A. Larkins 2.21.48.

As the day progressed, the temperature dropped further and rain was again threatening. The last timed session began with some drivers recording faster times. Kenna could not improve and recorded 2.21.38. A. Larkins dropped down to 2.18.32, with Robinson improving with 2.12.55 and a great start to the series. Crosbie was slower 2.10.34, J. Larkins recorded his fastest ever time 2.11.50, Sinclair was also quicker 2.05.59, along with Mac Krell 2.03.23 but Pearmain was slower 2.02.12. Redel was ecstatic once again getting under the 2 minute mark with 1.59.90 but not as fast as his co-driver Wheeler 1.56.59.

he round winners were Wheeler (Sprinters) and Anthony Larkins (Lites). The Championship table still has Pearmain leading from Sinclair with Wheeler closing in seven points in arrears.