Kerry Baily won the Clem Smith Cup and took a clean sweep in the Kerrick Sports Sedan Series in picture perfect conditions at Mallala today, at the Shannons Nationals presented by Hi-Tec Oils.
Baily and Corvette driver Des Wall led from the beginning and though Wall remained within a few seconds of the stunning new Aston Martin, never got quite close enough to challenge for the win in Sports Sedans’ marquee race – named in honour of the 85-year old former racer and Mallala circuit owner.
Tony Ricciardello, in a borrowed Commodore, finished third.
To make things even better, Bailey’s comeback success comes a day after his birthday.
“Des (Wall) was with me all the way but just dropped off a bit towards the end,” Bailey said.
“I see Darren and Tony’s name on this trophy a few too many times so it’s about time they let me have a turn!
“It’s a great feeling to win this race and have this kind of weekend in the debut of the car. The team have worked so hard and it’s been a perfect debut.
“I can’t wait for Tony and Darren to get their cars sorted for round two with the kind of quality we have in the field now. It’s very exciting.
“It’s a great Birthday present!”
Baily won the morning’s first race and also dominated the finale to clean-sweep the round, Des Wall finishing second and Monaro driver Michael Robinson completed the podium in third.
John Modystach stamped his control over the Porsche Staff Solutions International GT3 Cup Challenge Australia to win the round and all three races.
The Prosurv/Position Partners Porsche lead from start to finish in the safety car affected second race to back up his race one win yesterday in style. Kane Rose moved from fourth to finish second ahead of John Morriss in third.
He then held out Rose from start to finish in the finale to sweep the weekend and take an early title lead into round two, at Phillip Island.
First-time racer and local Michael Almond finished second with fellow Adelaidian Mark Krashos third overall.
Chris Smerdon won the second and third races in round two of the Kumho Tyres V8 Touring Car Series in an action-packed weekend.
Smerdon capitalised on race one winner Mike Sheperds’ engine trouble to take the win in the race two, ahead of Justin Garioch and Michael Bartsch. Young gun Josh Hunter fought from last place to second before fuel pump dramas ended his race on the final lap.
The South Australian driver then took the final win in race three ahead of Jim Pollicina, with Hunter in third. The 16 year old charged through the pack once more and overcame minor contact to take a podium away from an otherwise rough weekend.
Adam Beechey continued his dominance of the Southern Star Windows V8 Commodore Cup Series and took the chequered flag in all three races for round victory.
Race one saw Chris Stevenson move from fourth to second, ahead of Ross McGregor in third.
Beechey fought to win the second reverse grid race from the rear of the field. A mid race spin didn't stop the Donut King driver from making it two from two ahead of Chris Stevenson and Michael Tancredi before he went on to dominate the finale’ and win his second round in succession.
Reece Murphy won races two and three of Hi-Tec Oils Australian Suzuki Swift Racing Series, to claim his maiden round win.
The MGM Glass & Mirror driver moved from third into first past Rob Jarvis to secure his first race win of the year. Adam Brand finished third.
Murphy went back to back in the final race of the round to take the chequered flag ahead of Rob and Allan Jarvis – sealing the round in just his second ever series’ start.
Simon Tabinor dominated the first round of the Dial Before You Dig Australian Saloon Car Series with victories in races two and three.
The Victorian improved on his second place in race one to take victory ahead yesterdays winner Matthew Lovell and local driver Josh Keane. Race three never seemed out of his control, with Andrew Nowland and Sam Milton left to take the minor podium positions with Lovell limping to the flag with mechanical dramas.
The third round of Shannons Nationals Motor Racing Championship will be held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, May 25-27.
