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Maserati takes out GT-P Classic |
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Following what had been a somewhat unconvincing year in the GTP series, the Maserati Ghibli Cup car driven energetically (and at times very enthusiastically) posted a very convincing win in the inaugural OAMPS Insurance Classic at Sandown International Motor Raceway. The car driven by Goldstar race legend Alfie Costanzo (the oldest driver in the event) and by WRX driver Dean Canto (at 17 years, the youngest driver in the event) showed the field a clean pair of heels as it used its power to advantage on the long Sandown straights... reportedly 10 kph faster than its nearest rivals. The GT-P Classic, held as a lead up race to the Tickford 500 for the V8 Supercars, got the best of the weather though it was not free from incident. A quick start cost John Bowe in the Ferrari 355 Challenge 10 seconds >stop and go= penalty, taking him from the early lead back into 11th place and by race end to second place. A strong start by Beninca/Waldron pairing in their Porsche 911 RSCS came to nought after briefly leading the race and getting caught in a misunderstanding with the Chadwick Magna Sports, which resulted in both cars retiring. And club member Ed Aitken paired with Fitzgerald in the Porsche 911 was running a solid fourth when it was forced to the sidelines after breaking a drive shaft.But by the end of the race it was Dean Canto, who had managed to stay in front of the Bowe/Crompton Ferrari 355 and pass the Beninca/Waldron Porsche just before it came together with the Chadwick Magna Sports and who was driving the Maserati Ghibli Cup car as if it were on fire, managed to run out a comfortable 9 second winner. Club members Max and Luke Warwick in the Porsche RSCS crossed the line in third place, a lap down. A great drive considering that neither Max or Luke had driven in the series during the year. Club member Graham Hunt in the XR8 Falcon with Andrew Miedecke, following a brilliant drive by Miedecke finished first in Class C and 10th outright after running as low as 21st. In the Tickford 500 Club member D =Arcy Russell and Col Ivory finished 7th in the Privateers section. Following a promising start in absolutely terrible conditions, D=Arcy got the car up to 3rd in the Privateers section before troubles with the car emerged resulting in the loss of 15 laps or more. Nonetheless, it was a good start and we will watch his progress with interest at Bathurst in November. |
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Maserati takes out the GT-P Classic