Motor Sport
Invercargill driver Liam MacDonald had the perfect weekend at Round 3 of the 2016/2017 BNT NZ Touring Car Championship at Mike Pero Motorsport Park at Ruapuna in Christchurch this weekend.
MacDonald was the fastest in every session at the 3.33 kilometre circuit, topping the times in practice and qualifying before winning all three races. That assured the young driver the round win, his third from three in the championship and also extended his points lead.
“We were quickest in every session and everything was sweet, there were no problems,” said the Southlander as he waited to jump onto the top step of the podium after Sunday’s third and final race. “It has given us a good gap in the championship,” he said.
After qualifying the GT Radial NZ Falcon fastest on Saturday morning, MacDonald won the opening race of the round on Saturday afternoon using older tyres from the previous round, enabling him to save fresh rubber for later in the weekend.
From a reverse top five grid on Sunday he came through to win again before putting the icing on the cake with a final race win that afternoon over 18 laps to complete the clean sweep.
The next round of the championship is next weekend at MacDonald’s home circuit, Teretonga Park in Invercargill. “I’m looking forward to it,” said MacDonald on Sunday evening. “I’m looking for another good performance and good results!”
But over in class two MacDonald collects his third victory this weekend making a hat-trick with Conroy finishing second and Lauthrope third.
Nick Ross’ Nissan was unable to start the race after getting a broken axle in Race 2. Nick Ferrier and Ian Clapperton failed to finish the race.