Oran Park racer Tim Brook has proved he’s one of the drivers to beat in this year’s Toyota 86 Racing Series.
Racing the McLaren Real Estate Toyota 86 at Phillip Island last weekend, Brook demonstrated his championship credentials with three commanding performances.
Brook spent the summer months transforming his own daily driver in a race-ready machine the team has nicknamed Black Betty.
Phillip Island marked the car’s race debut, with Brook qualifying second and shattering his own lap record during Race 2.
“That was a fantastic start to the season, everything we’d hoped for,” said Brook.
“After spending so many weeks working on the car, it’s a great way to pay the boys and girls back for all their effort and patience in putting it together.
“We’re lucky to have the support we do, especially from the guys at McLaren Real Estate who’ve stuck by me this year.
“After a disappointing end to 2017 it’s great to come out here and be on the pace at the first round.
“Now we just have to try and keep it going for the rest of the season!”
The 2018 season marks Brook’s third in the Toyota 86 Racing Series.
An Australian champion in open-wheel racing, Brook has been a contender in each of the season’s he’s competed in the series.
His 2017 was cut short when he became caught up in a multi-car crash at Mount Panorama as the series supported the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.
Refocusing on 2018, Brook proved a front runner in every session across the Phillip Island weekend.
Brook was a feature in the lead battle in all three races, using his experience to bank important points in his championship quest.
His front row start was followed by two strong podium finishes, and a mature drive to fourth place in the final race of the weekend.
Brook sits a strong second in the standings with 248pts points to his name after just one round.
The Toyota 86 Racing Series next heads to the streets of Townsville for Round 2 on July 6-8.