Improved Production Queensland raced their penultimate round at Lakeside Raceway over the weekend in very trying circumstances.
Qualifying was held in very wet conditions and the under 2 litre front wheel drive cars showed their pace with last years race winner Greg Hartnett claiming pole with a 1:06.463.
The fast BMW of Jason Clements held in for second place in the dying minutes with D’Arcy Wade, Ewen Johnston and Daniel Clift rounding out the top 5.
Race 1 was not too long after qualifying and the rain was still falling. Clements BMW was strong off the line and would take the lead. Hartnett followed in the Pulsar for multiple laps until a fogged windscreen ruined any chance of challenging for the victory.
Kyle Organ-Moore, Improved Production Queenslands previous round winner, was struggling in the rain only managing to claim 11th position.
Conditions at the track got so bad before race 2 that all racing was suspended at Lakeside until Sunday morning.
Race 2 was in dry conditions this time round and Clements lead the field and Hartnett would fall back to 5th position. All the larger over 2 litres cars were making their way forward using the dry track to their advantage. Justin Wade moved up 4 spots to get 2nd place at the line and Organ-Moore managed to climb 5 positions finishing 6th.
Peter Cusato, who started rear of grid, put in a mighty drive and made his way through the field to finish up in 8th.
Race 3 and the heavens opened up 10 minutes before the race and left the track in a very tricky situation with drying patches appearing.
Justin Wade was challenged the whole race by son D’Arcy in what was an enthralling battle that had the whole hill cheering.
Hartnett had a spin with a gearbox issue and managed to finish the race but that would see him done for the weekend.
Race 4 had the same conditions as race 3 and all the drivers were skating around waiting for the track to dry.
Both father and son (Justin and D’Arcy) were setting the hill alight again with their battle, only to be joined by Ewen Johnston, Bruce Cook and Cusato towards the end. It was tight, close, racing for the whole 8 laps which would see Clements take the win, Justin Wade 2nd, D’Arcy Wade 3rd, Johnston and Cusato rounding out the top 5.
“Really happy with the results from the weekend. It’s not often you can have a clean sweep, so very happy. Huge thanks to all the Improved Production QLD community for their hospitality”, said a delighted Clements at the conclusion of the round.
“Really want to thank my family for their support, especially my son Kyler, for being my #1 crew chief – his help was awesome. Huge thanks to Penrite Oil, Ryco Filters and Siggy Nebelung Roofing for their support. And finally thanks to Iain Williamson from Motec Queensland for all the work he has done on the car!”
Improved Production now move to Morgan Park Raceway for their final round of the year, points are close, and it’s going to be a round you don’t want to miss! Morgan Park will be held 2nd – 3rd December.
Picture Credit: Lee Wallis