Lester shines in GT3 battle

Taupo-based teenager Jono Lester’s run at the head of this morning’s Porsche GT3 race at Timaru ended with a punctured left-rear tyre.

That let defending champion Craig Baird into the lead after harassing the fast-starting Lester during the opening laps.

It was probably inevitable that Baird would have passed the relatively novice driver but it was a strong showing by the rising star Lester.

Daniel Gaunt finished second, ahead of Australians David Reynolds and Rodney Forbes.

In other action this morning, Caine Lobb took his second Formula Ford win of the weekend, Brent Collins won the Mini Challenge series counter, and Holden Commodore racer Blair Sutherland won the NZ V8s development series race ahead of yesterday’s winner Michael Bristow.

Logan Childs won the Production Series race in his Deals on Wheels magazine Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9, from Simon Sceats’ Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

Suzuki scholarship winner Cody McMaster won the Suzuki Swift section of the race, from Dane Fisher and Brock Barrie.