Campbell wins Carrera Cup Aus/Asia Pro race

Matt Campbell produced a lights-to-flag drive to win the combined Carrera Cup Australia/Carrera Cup Asia race for professional drivers at Sydney Motorsport Park.

After recording a clean sweep of the two Carrera Cup Australia championship races, the Queenslander produced another dominant display to see off the best drivers from both Australia and Asia.

Campbell faced a brief challenge from Carrera Cup Asia series star Maxime Jousse on the opening lap as the pair went side-by-side into the first corner.

However, the McElrea Racing driver quickly asserted his authority on the race by taking the lead at Turn 2.

Once ahead he produced a measured drive to the chequered flag, but was unable to relax with Nick McBride in hot pursuit.

Starting from fifth, McBride made light work of David Wall at the start before passing Carrera Cup Asia round winner Mitchell Gilbert and Jousse.

Despite showcasing impressive pace, he couldn’t launch a serious attack on Campbell as he fell 0.8s shy at the flag.

A storming run from seventh saw Alex Davison claim the final spot on the podium after making decisive moves on Gilbert and Jousse early in the race.

Ash Walsh ensured the top four positions were held by Carrera Cup Australia drivers, with Jousse the best Asian runner in fifth.

Dean Fiore came through to finish sixth ahead of the Malaysian-born Australian Gilbert, who had earlier won both Carrera Cup Asia championship races.

Austrian Carrera Cup Asia driver Martin Ragginger, Wall and Dylan O’Keefe completed the top 10.

Former Carrera Cup Australia champion Steven Richards could only manage 12th, while Carrera Cup Asia championship leader Nico Menzel finished in 17th position.

Duvashen Padayachee was the only retirement from the race, exiting the heat after seven laps.

VIDEO: Campbell speaks after the race

Result: Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and Australia Professional Race

1	Nuveau Constructions / Phase 8	Matt Campbell (QLD)	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	10	15:29.4035
2	Bob Jane T-Marts	Nick McBride (VIC)	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	10	15:30.2925
3	Wilson Parking	Alex Davison (QLD)	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	10	15:39.2035
4	Bob Jane T-Marts / Infants Fri	Ash Walsh (QLD)	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	10	15:39.6846
5	Kamlung Racing	Jousse Maxime (FRA)	Porsche GT3 Cup	10	15:43.2663
6	Saint/Porsche Centre Melbourne	Dean Fiore (WA)	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	10	15:49.8785
7	Absolute Racing	Mitchell Gilbert (AUS)	Porsche GT3 Cup	10	15:50.7039
8	Team Porsche Holding	Martin Ragginger (AUT)	Porsche GT3 Cup	10	15:51.0984
9	Wilson Security	David Wall (NSW)	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	10	15:51.3078
10	Allstar Equipment / Dexion Sup	Dylan O’Keeffe (VIC)	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	10	15:51.5432
11	Copyworld	Michael Almond (SA)	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	10	15:53.9377
12	Laser Plumbing and Electrical	Steven Richards (VIC)	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	10	16:03.5610
13	Porsche China Junior Team	Andrew Tang (SGP)	Porsche GT3 Cup	10	16:05.4247
14	Horsley Park Gunshop	James Abela (NSW)	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	10	16:05.8421
15	Fun88 Team Sunfonda	Da Sheng Zhang (CHN)	Porsche GT3 Cup	10	16:07.2091
16	Preston Hire	Fraser Ross (VIC)	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	10	16:12.2805
17	PICC Team StarChase	Nico Menzel (DEU)	Porsche GT3 Cup	10	16:12.7218
18	Team Jebsen	Yue Cui (CHN)	Porsche GT3 Cup	10	16:13.1128
19	Zheng Tong Auto	Jinlong Bao (CHN)	Porsche GT3 Cup	10	16:16.7496
20	CIP/GWR	Garth Walden (NSW)	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	10	16:20.5595
DNF	Darrell Lea STIX	Duvashen Padayachee NSW	Porsche 911 GT3 Cup	7	11:44.4352