From 15th to 1st: Bewley masterclass delivers Highlands Toyota 86 victory

Tom Bewley has delivered a performance for the ages in the second race of the Toyota 86 Championship at Highlands Motorsport Park, needing just 10 laps to charge from 15th on the grid to take victory.

It was a win from the top shelf for the 16-year-old from Havelock North, who began his day on the back foot after receiving a 15-second post-race penalty from Saturday’s sole outing, which relegated him to 15th.

Bewley’s penalty was one of a number dished out following a thrilling opening race the day prior, changing the field and, consequently, Race 2’s grid dramatically.

William Exton was given a five-second penalty for a jump start, and ‘on the road’ race winner Hunter Robb was disqualified for a technical infringement relating to camber settings.

It left all three with much to do in Sunday morning’s race.

Bewley responded with a stunning drive.

“I didn’t expect to make the podium, but it was a lot of fun,” he said afterwards.

“The car was good, and I just put it in the right places. There were a few mistakes I was able to make the most of as well. I knew 15 seconds was quite a lot, but I’m pleased I’ve been able to make it up and win.”

Once Saturday’s penalties had been worked through, it left Lockie Bloxsom the race winner and Ryan Denize on pole position for the second race alongside Harry Townshend. Row two was Alice Buckley and Christina Orr-West, ahead of Exton, fifth, and Hayden Bakkerus, sixth.

Denize got proceedings underway with an excellent launch from the front row, while William Exton was to launch behind, taking to the grass in a three-wide battle to jump towards the front.

Denize did well to retain the lead over the opening circuit, but all eyes were on Bewley, who had climbed eight positions to sit seventh.

Townshend took the lead on Lap 2, while Bewley’s charge forward continued, the #4 driver taking three positions in one corner to jump to fourth.

He would continue to pick off the leaders one by one, impressively taking the lead on Lap 3, having gained 14 places.

Once at the front, he managed his advantage over the remaining circuits to get to the chequered flag 1.3 seconds ahead of Exton, whose impressive start from the third row rewarded him with second.

Australian Bloxsom’s strong run of pace at Highlands continued, with the #23 entry finishing on the podium for the second time in as many races with third.

Hayden Bakkerus drove well for fourth, coming home ahead of Townshend.

While Bewley’s drive will go down as one of the best of the round, the same could be said for championship contender Robb, who drove from the rear of the grid to finish sixth.

Denize’s strong start paid dividends with a respectable seventh place, while Alice Buckley, Tayler Bryant and John Penny completed the top ten.

The Toyota 86 Championship returns for one final race at Highlands, which begins at 2.19 pm.

2023-2024 Toyota 86 Championship – Round 4 – Race 2

2023-2024 Toyota 86 Championship – Round 4 – Race 1 (Saturday)