Kiwi driver Hunter Robb has maintained his lead in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia championship after a consistent weekend at the Reid Park Street Circuit in Townsville, banking two podiums and a fourth-place finish across the three races.
After qualifying eighth with a best lap of 1:14.133s, just three tenths of a second shy of pole sitter Kobi Williams, Robb wasted no time moving forward when the opening race got underway.
A strong launch off the line saw the New Zealander climb to fourth by the opening laps, settling in behind Ryan Suhle while Lincoln Taylor and Williams battled for the lead. Although the race remained largely processional, Robb kept himself out of trouble and maintained a solid pace, bringing the car home in fourth and providing a strong start to the weekend.
Sunday morning’s second race was heavily disrupted after a major multi-car accident on the opening lap brought out the Safety Car, and the race was later red-flagged. The incident, involving several cars, forced a lengthy delay before racing resumed with just seven minutes remaining.
When the field finally returned to green flag conditions, Robb lined up third behind Williams and Suhle. Suhle quickly took the lead in the race, while Robb found himself in an intense battle with Williams for second place. Robb briefly moved into the runner-up position before Williams reclaimed the place in the closing laps.
With Williams leading the Jim Richards Enduro Trophy standings and Robb holding the outright championship lead, the Kiwi avoided unnecessary risks and secured third place at the chequered flag. The podium result proved valuable for his championship campaign, allowing him to extend his run of consistent finishes.
Starting third for the final race of the weekend alongside Lincoln Taylor, Robb once again focused on bringing home a strong result. While Williams and Suhle fought at the front, Robb comfortably held third throughout the race, claiming his second podium of the weekend.
Williams went on to win the final race and secure overall honours for the Townsville round, while Robb’s trio of consistent finishes earned him third overall for the weekend and, more importantly, allowed him to retain his championship lead heading into the closing stages of the season.
With only two rounds remaining, Robb remains firmly in contention for the 2026 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia title.
The championship resumes at Sydney Motorsport Park on 18-20 September for the penultimate round before the season finale at Sandown Raceway in November.
Header Image: Porsche Motorsport Australia
