Action Motorsport

Ivan Klasan has taken his first race victory of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia season at Phillip Island in Saturday’s race one, while Terry Knight’s 996 Cup Class race win was enough to secure him the 2011 class crown.

Klasan started the 10-lap opening race in second before gained the lead from pole-sitter Jon Trende early in the opening lap.

Klasan pulled away at the front to eventually take the chequered flag, finishing over five seconds ahead of his nearest rival Steve Kepper, who was contesting his first GT3 Cup Challenge race for the 2011 season.

Behind the leading duo, Jeff Bobik was the driver to watch in the 10-lap event.

Starting fifth on the grid, Bobik had a slow start to the race, with his car in neutral when it was time to take off.

Bobik dropped to 16th before eventually charging back through the field to secure third position by the chequered flag, finishing ahead of Phil Morriss, Roger Lago, John Modystach and seventh-placed John Goodacre.

Meanwhile, Klasan was pleased with his first race win of the season at his favourite circuit.

“I’m obviously pretty happy with the win. I am also happy with my pace throughout the race, especially as this field is pretty tight,” said Klasan.

“I had a reasonable start and got into the lead by turn two, and that was that. I controlled my pace from there and went on to win.

“Phillip Island is my favourite track and it’s been very kind to me in my racing. Generally if my car is good and my confidence is there we are usually on the pace.”

Meanwhile, Terry Knight, who finished eighth outright in the race, was the best placed 996 Cup Class driver, which was enough to secure him the 996 Cup Class title.

“We’re all very happy with how we went in the race,” said Knight.

“I managed to drive my way through the field and had great pace which I am happy about, especially seeing as our qualifying was rubbish earlier in the day.

“I’m also stoked with the 996 Cup Class title win. I’ve done four years in the 996 Cup Class so I’ve served my apprenticeship and have had some great people around me to help secure the class win.”

Behind Knight, Jan Jinadasa and John Morriss rounded out the top ten for the race, while Matt Kingsley’s weekend ended early after gearbox issues forced him out of the race when placed fourth.

Knight’s 996 Cup Class title win means Indiran Padayachee has secured second in the class for the season, while Kingsley’s failure to finished allowed Paul Bolinowsky to move into third in the season’s 996 Cup Class points with two races remaining.

Lago continues his lead in the Outright and 997 Cup Class standings, holding a gap of 32 and 36 points over Bobik in the respective classes.

Sunday’s racing from the Shannons Nationals Motor Racing Championships, including race two and race three of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia, will be streamed live on www.itvlive.com.au.