Shane Smollen is one step closer to claiming the first title in the new era of Monochrome GT4 Australia after yet another round win at Sandown International Raceway.
The 59-year-old was unstoppable behind the wheel of his impressive Prestige Connex Porsche Cayman 718 to claim all four race wins of the weekend – with the category once again lined up alongside Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars.
While races two to four were dominated by the series leader, his efforts in the weekend’s opening race were arguably the most telling.
After claiming pole position earlier in the day, the New South Welshman found himself behind Karl Begg’s stunning McLaren 570s after a mistake in the early phase of the race.
Looking comfortable in front, Begg looked all but certain to take the race win before a last gasp move on the final lap saw Smollen take back his original position – from there, Smollen was barely headed.
Smollen was happy to leave the popular Victorian circuit with all four race wins and knew exactly what needed to be done to round out the year.
“It was a great weekend, I think we executed everything really well and we had to work really hard to get there,” Smollen said.
“We made it hard for ourselves in the first race, a small mistake meant we had to make the pass to get it done but it was a great challenge.
“I was doing my best to stay patient, but also keep in touch with the McLaren – but I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity on the final lap.
“We just want to put one put in front of the other and not get ahead of ourselves, we knew if we executed every corner we would be fast and, in the end, that’s what happened.
“I have always enjoyed Sandown, we have had plenty of laps around here in the past and I was pleased to continue the run of form, with no damage to the car and four wins in the bag.
“The title now sits in the back of my mind. We can’t afford DNFs and we can’t afford to try too hard in marginal situations.
Shane Smollen will be back in action in the combined Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars and Monochrome GT4 Australia at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park (The Bend) on 13-15 October as part of Shannons Trophy Series.
