Will Brown emerged victorious after a heart-stopping battle with teammate Broc Feeney in the final race of the inaugural ITM Taupo Super400. The Toowoomba driver started behind his Red Bull Ampol teammate but relentlessly pursued him throughout the race. The two Queenslanders engaged in a fierce duel, making slight contact on a few occasions, before Brown finally secured the lead in the closing stages. This win marks a significant moment for Brown, solidifying his position at the forefront of the 2024 championship with his third win of the season.
“It was an incredible race battling with Broc,” said a jubilant Brown. “There might have been a touch or two, but that’s racing when you’re both pushing for the win. It was definitely the most exciting race I’ve ever been in!”
Taking the final podium spot was Shell V-Power Ford’s Anton De Pasquale. This podium finish wasn’t just about the race for De Pasquale – it secured him the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, awarded to the driver with the most points across the New Zealand round.
Local fans were hopeful for a strong showing from pole-sitter Matt Payne. The young driver displayed impressive skills but couldn’t quite match the pace of the top contenders, finishing a credible fourth. Yesterday’s race winner, Andre Heimgartner, finished in sixth place, just missing out on the Jason Richards Trophy.
Defending champion Brodie Kostecki endured a tougher race, receiving a penalty for a collision but still managing a 12th place finish.
The three-day event at Taupo proved to be a resounding success, drawing a massive crowd of over 67,000 spectators who witnessed thrilling racing and a historic moment for the sport.
With this win, Brown has significantly extended his championship lead to 71 points over Feeney. The focus now shifts across the country to Western Australia for the next round, the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint.
