Triple X to lead Porsche twilight race

Triple X Motorsport driver Craig Baird in the Barrons RV Taupo – ZM - Porsche 997 set fastest time in this afternoon’s qualifying to lead the start in tonight’s 30-lap twilight race around Invercargill’s 2.61km Teretonga Park Raceway.

Set in varying fine/damp weather conditions this afternoon, the first of three races in this weekend’s fourth round of the 2008/09 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge has two Triple X Motorsport cars starting from the front row of this evenings race grid.

Very much a qualifying based on strategy, there was an additional element of luck with two of the team’s cars faster times later annulled when it were deemed they were set during yellow flag conditions. That left Baird at the front of the pack with Melbourne’s David Reynolds in the Placemakers – Hampsta – Porsche 997 alongside in second.

Starting from the third row, Daniel Gaunt in the Beef and Lamb – Radio Sport – Trinity Media Group – Porsche 997 was previously in second position in the 13-car field.

The ever-changing weather at the world’s most southern race venue is set to play a part in the evening race that starts from 7:40pm (19:40NZST). Traditional variations in conditions at the venue have left commentators speculating that predicting a winner between the Australian honed endurance prowess of Baird and Reynolds will be an easier option.

The leading duo in the six-car Triple X Motorsport team are well used to the longer race distances – saved for the cooler climate and more abrasive nature of the sand based circuit.

Following their example, Sydney’s Rodney Forbes (Hampsta - MPD Dairy Products – Porsche 997) set eighth fastest time, followed by Courtney Letica (Altherm - Porsche 997) and Shane McKillen (VnC Cocktails – Porsche 997).

Sunday’s returns to the normal race weekend programme with a 12-lap race in the morning and the top-six reverse grid 16-lap race in the afternoon.