Tony Quinn etched his name in history after becoming the first Monochrome GT4 Australia driver to win the annual ‘Fight in the Night’ race at his very own Queensland Raceway.
The 66-year-old was one of six entries in the newly formed category, competing alongside the Mobil 1 Australian Production Car Series in the 10th rendition of the popular race.
Whilst crossing the line in second, Quinn was awarded the victory after series leader, Shane Smollen and co-driver Lachlan Mineeff were penalised for an incorrect starting position.
Despite the circumstances of the win, the result was thoroughly deserved after falling behind Steve Jukes in the opening phase of the race, with a perfectly executed pit stop the key to finding his way back past Verves Racing BMW.
The Queenslander would have his sights set on Mineeff in the closing stages of the race, closing the gap to the #56 Porsche Cayman with the assistance of a late safety car intervention.
A final sprint to the line saw Mineeff cross the line first, but a five-second penalty soon promoted Quinn to the race win.
“It was great to be credited with the race win, there are some mixed emotions since I didn’t cross the line first but overall, I’m very happy,” Quinn said.
“It was a tough race, the safety car period at the end really made things interesting, I think we got the pit-stop phase right and that got us into the position we wanted to be.
“In the end, I wasn’t too fussed about the result because I was having so much fun. For me, that’s what it is all about. The win is just a bonus.”
Whilst the victory holds plenty of value in itself, Quinn claimed ultimate bragging rights after also being crowned the round winner.
Friday’s opening race saw him finish second behind Smollen and Mineeff, building the foundation towards his brilliant win in race two on Saturday night, before mustering yet another second-place finish in race three behind Mark Griffith and Nash Morris.
“Much like the Fight in the Night win, the overall result comes as a massive bonus for such an enjoyable weekend,” Quinn added.
“I felt good all weekend long, I would have liked to pick up another race win but like I mentioned, where you finish doesn’t always matter.
“The win gives me a bit of momentum going forward, it is something I believe I can build off and I’m looking forward to racing alongside a great bunch of people in the second half of the year.”
The Monochrome GT4 Australia Series will suit up once again alongside the Mobil 1 Australian Production Car Series at Sandown International Raceway on 8-10 September.
