Kaleb Ngatoa claimed his second S5000 win of the year in commanding fashion at Sydney Motorsport Park today.
The 19-year-old Kiwi made a sublime start from pole position, which he earned due to the reverse grid format, to lead Thomas Randle into the turn one sweeper.
From there, Ngatoa was untouched, and he sailed away from the challenging pack.
Randle lost second to Tim Macrow at turn two, and the two maintained their positions all the way to the chequered flag.
Ngatoa’s victory undoubtedly gives the youngster a massive confidence boost heading into the final race of the championship tomorrow.
After clinching his first win at Sandown at the previous round, Ngatoa has spent time working with Kiwi Supercars star Shane van Gisbergen at Norwell Motor Complex.
Ngatoa praised the work of van Gisbergen and the driver training he received over that time, suggesting it has made a difference in his competitiveness this weekend.
Earlier in the day, James Golding won the opening heat race in a similarly emphatic style.
Golding seized the lead at turn one after polesitter Joey Mawson experienced a sluggish start.
Ngatoa worked his way up to seventh after starting eighth following a tough qualifying.
A damaged front wing endplate meant Ngatoa spent almost the entire session with a disruptive front end.
One more race lies in the wait for the S5000 field tomorrow, which will be held over 14 laps and decide this year’s champion.
Three drivers are in contention for the title, with Mawson currently in the box seat in the lead.
Race three is scheduled to start at 2.10 pm NZT and will be live on Sky Sport 8.
Well done Kaleb, To come back after a mistake at the last round.
Kiwis can fly!