Tony Bates has produced a consistent performance in Race 1, Round 3 of the Australian GT Championship at Sandown today, qualifying and finishing eighth aboard his KFC/Moveitnet/C-Tech Laser/B&B/Local Roadways Audi R8.
Bates demonstrated strong pace in both wet and dry conditions, but was left ruing a pit-stop delay which cost him the chance of a top five result.
“The race started on a wet track, and I slotted behind the lead pack – the track dried during the opening stint, and we made the decision to change to slick tyres during the compulsory pit stop,” Bates said.
“As I came into the pits, I was closely following another car and I misjudged my entry to the pit bay which meant I was parked at a 45-degree angle – this cost us quite a lot of time compared to some of our key rivals.
“Once I re-joined the track, our speed was really good and I was able to stay on the back of the Steven Richards BMW towards the end of the race.
“The car was excellent – the Melbourne Performance Centre crew prepared a very strong package, and I’m confident we can push forward in tomorrow’s two races,” Bates concluded.
Races 2 and 3 will be held at 10:40am and 3:10pm, and both will be live-streamed on the Shannons Nationals website and shared via the Tony Bates Racing Facebook page.
