Johnson and Bowe share Darwin TCM spoils

Steven Johnson and John Bowe resumed their private battle in the Touring Car Masters with the pair recording a win apiece at Hidden Valley.

Johnson proved to be the star of the weekend’s second race as the Ford Mustang driver dominated the encounter to record a lights-to-flag victory.

Bowe challenged the Mustang at the start but was forced wide at Turn 1 which allowed Andrew Miedecke and Gavin Bullas through.

The race was neutralised moments later when a multiple car incident saw Bill Pye hit the barriers hard.

Johnson made no mistakes on the restart as he quickly built up a healthy advantage over Miedecke’s Chevrolet Camaro, as Bowe climbed over the back of Bullas.

However, Johnson proved unstoppable as he went on to take the chequered flag for the second time this weekend.

Miedecke finished second with Bowe, who capitalised on a retirement from Pro-Master series leader Bullas, in third.

The final encounter provided a classic fight battle between Johnson and Bowe as the pair diced for the lead throughout the 10 lap contest.

After swapping positions on three occasions, Bowe managed to edge away from Johnson to snatch the victory, with Mideceke completing the podium in third.

“I have to thank my sponsor for this weekend.. John Bowe” joked Johnson, who took the round win with a two victories and a second place finish.

“It’s been a fantastic weekend and really hard work battling with JB and everyone else.

“It’s sensational to come up here every year whether you’re racing or not – but to do it when you are is even better.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported us getting on track in the Mustang this weekend and hopefully we can do some more.”

Miedecke’s two podium finishes saw the Camaro driver assume the championship lead in the Pro-Master class by 14 points from Jim Richards.

The championship continues at Queensland Raceway on July 31-August 1.

Result: Touring Car Masters Race 3, Hidden Valley

1	Dunlop Super Dealers/Wilson Security	John Bowe (VIC)	Torana SLR 5000	10	12:25.3829
2	Payce/Wilson Security	Steven Johnson (QLD)	Ford Mustang TransAm	10	12:25.4687
3	Shannons Insurance	Jim Richards (VIC)	AMC Javelin	10	12:31.9515
4	Whiteline Transport Racing/Lub	Andrew Miedecke (NSW)	Chevrolet Camaro SS	10	12:32.6945
5	Mopar Performance	Greg Crick (TAS)	Chrysler Charger E55	10	12:35.4780
6	Outbound Racing/wheels.com.pg	Keith Kassulke (QLD)	Ford Falcon XB Coupe	10	12:42.4047
7	Jesus Racing	Andrew Fisher (NSW)	Ford Falcon XY GTHO	10	12:44.3258
8	Glennan’s Transport	Cameron Tilley (NSW)	Valiant Pacer	10	12:44.9379
9	iseek Racing	Jason Gomersall (QLD)	Torana SLR 5000	10	12:49.2423
10	Lyndways Builders/Mick Webb’s	Wayne Mercer (VIC)	Ford Falcon XY GTHO	10	12:57.4431
11	TIFS – Warehousing & Distribut	Tony Karanfilovski (NSW)	Ford Mustang Trans A	10	12:57.6091
12	Sunliner RV	Tony Hunter (VIC)	Chevrolet Monza 2+2	10	13:04.6768
13	THD Motorsport	Leo Tobin (VIC)	Holden HQ Monaro	10	13:05.1482
14	Whiteline Transport Racing	Mark King (QLD)	Chevrolet Camaro RS	10	13:25.0616
DNF	Darwin Cheapest Cars	Eddie Abelnica (VIC)	Ford Falcon XB Coupe	9	11:33.0648
DNF	Hercules Engines	Steve Mason (NSW)	Chevrolet Camaro	1	1:28.3817

Result: Touring Car Masters Race 2, Hidden Valley

1	Payce/Wilson Security	Steven Johnson (QLD)	Ford Mustang TransAm	10	15:09.1249
2	Whiteline Transport Racing/Lub	Andrew Miedecke (NSW)	Chevrolet Camaro SS	10	15:10.5550
3	Dunlop Super Dealers/Wilson Security	John Bowe (VIC)	Torana SLR 5000	10	15:11.3490
4	Shannons Insurance	Jim Richards (VIC)	AMC Javelin	10	15:11.8283
5	iseek Racing	Jason Gomersall (QLD)	Torana SLR 5000	10	15:13.7023
6	Mopar Performance	Greg Crick (TAS)	Chrysler Charger E55	10	15:19.9591
7	Outbound Racing/wheels.com.pg	Keith Kassulke (QLD)	Ford Falcon XB Coupe	10	15:21.3350
8	Jesus Racing	Andrew Fisher (NSW)	Ford Falcon XY GTHO	10	15:22.6139
9	Glennan’s Transport	Cameron Tilley (NSW)	Valiant Pacer	10	15:24.6146
10	Whiteline Transport Racing/Kin	Mark King (QLD)	Chevrolet Camaro RS	10	15:27.3181
11	Lyndways Builders/Mick Webb’s	Wayne Mercer (VIC)	Ford Falcon XY GTHO	10	15:31.1583
12	TIFS – Warehousing & Distribut	Tony Karanfilovski (NSW)	Ford Mustang Trans A	10	15:31.2660
13	Darwin Cheapest Cars	Eddie Abelnica (VIC)	Ford Falcon XB Coupe	10	15:31.8299
14	Sunliner RV	Tony Hunter (VIC)	Chevrolet Monza 2+2	10	15:36.2131
15	THD Motorsport	Leo Tobin (VIC)	Holden HQ Monaro	10	15:36.5469
16	Hercules Engines	Steve Mason (NSW)	Chevrolet Camaro	10	15:37.8440
DNF	Rain City Racing	Gavin Bullas (VIC)	Ford Mustang Fastback	6	10:16.8515
DNF	Outbound Racing/Treloar Roses	Garry Treloar (VIC)	Holden HQ Monaro
DNF	calga.biz	Bill Pye (NSW)	Chevrolet Camaro