Monochrome GT4 Australia Championship: Sandown Round 4 Report
Sandown Raceway, Melbourne – The Monochrome GT4 Australia Championship returned for Round 4 over the weekend, showcasing fierce competition amid variable weather conditions. The event marked the first time GT4 machinery raced as a standalone category at Sandown.
Qualifying Highlights
In a drying Saturday qualifying session, the #35 Miedecke Motorsport Mustang, driven by Rylan Gray, secured pole with a time of 1:16.83, a half-second ahead of Ryder Quinn’s #3 Thunder Buddies/TekworkX BMW. Championship leaders, the #25 Method Motorsport McLaren, lagged behind in seventh.
As conditions improved in Session 2, Max Geoghegan in the #25 McLaren claimed pole with a rapid 1:14.1894, followed closely by George Miedecke.
Race 1: Eventful Start
Race 1 began with Miedecke leading after a solid start from pole. However, chaos ensued as Nash Morris in the #210 TekworkX Porsche Cayman maneuvered into third early on, despite an initial spin. Mid-race turmoil included multiple incidents, prompting a safety car.
During the pit stops, light rain caused additional challenges. A significant incident occurred when Glen Walker’s #14 BMW hit the back of the #1 Method Motorsport Porsche, leading to another safety car period. Upon restart, Miedecke surged ahead, ultimately winning the race with a 10-second margin.
The rest of the podium featured Hughes and Rintoule in the #87 Triple Eight Mercedes, while Frougas and Berryman’s #9 GWR Australia Toyota Supra claimed Silver-Am honors. Post-race penalties relegated the #25 McLaren to fourth.
Race 2: Strategic Victory
Sunday’s Race 2 witnessed dramatic weather changes. Starting in drizzle, only the #210 TekworkX Porsche opted for wet tires. Zoe Woods quickly elevated her position, leading until a series of incidents forced another safety car.
After confusion during pit stops rearranged the field, Morris regained the lead after the safety car exited. However, as the track dried, competitors switched to slicks. Jake Camilleri seized the opportunity, passing Morris and winning by over 25 seconds.
Morris managed to hold off the #35 Mustang for second, while the Randall Racing BMW claimed the Am class in seventh overall.
Championship Standings
With their strong performances, Gray and Miedecke have taken the championship lead, now 11 points ahead of the #25 Method Motorsport duo. In the Silver-Am standings, Gomersall leads by 10 points.
Upcoming Events
The Monochrome GT4 Australia Championship will continue at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend, scheduled for September 5-7.
Race Results
- Race 1: Miedecke | Hughes & Rintoule | Frougas & Berryman
- Race 2: Camilleri | Morris | Miedecke
Next Round: Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, The Bend, September 5-7.
Images courtesy of SRO.
