Nigel Arkell not only set the fastest time in qualifying for the Archibalds Historic Touring Car Series race at the Mobil 1 Classic Speedfest in Invercargill, but also took his chances and won the opening eight-lap race on Saturday. Teretonga Park in Invercargill is hosting the second round of the series with four races over the weekend.
Initially it was Brett Stevens (Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500) who grabbed the lead ahead of Arkell (Honda Accord Supertourer) with Paul Radisich (Ford Mondeo) in third followed by Bruce Miles (BMW 320i Supertourer), Arron Black BMW E30 and Gary Johnstone (Jaguar XJS).
While Stevens maintained his lead, it was local driver Scott O’Donnell (Ford Mondeo), starting from last on the grid, who was quickly making his way through the field.
With two laps to go, there wasn’t much in it between the top five, Stevens, Arkell (main picture), Miles, Radisich and Scott O’Donnell. Then Stevens slowed and eventually retired, gifting the lead to Arkell.
Miles, now in second, spun coming onto the main straight allowing O’Donnell to move into a well earned second place with Radisich third.
While O’Donnell continued to gain on Arkell, the top three finished in that order with Arron Black fourth ahead of Miles, Tony Forde (Holden Commodore Walkinshaw), Gary Geeves (BMW 320i) and Warren Good (BMW E36).
- 1 Nigel Arkell Honda Accord
- 2 Scott O’Donnell Ford Mondeo ST
- 3 Paul Radisich Ford Mondeo
- 4 Aaron Black BMW E30 173
- 5 Bruce Miles BMW 320I Supertourer
- 6 Tony Forde Holden Commodore Walkinshaw
- 7 Gary Geeves BMW 320i
- 8 Warren Good BMW E36
- 9 Warren Dunn BMW E30 M3
- 10 Gary Johnstone Jaguar XJS
- 11 Nick Young BMW 325i
- 12 Dennis Chapman BMW 318 Supertourer
- 13 Matthew O’Donnell BMW 318 Supertourer
- 14 Austin McKinlay Holden Commodore
- 15 Dennis Ham Alfa Romeo 155
- 16 David Beattie Toyota Corona
- DNF Brett Stevens Ford Sierra Cosworth RS
- DNS Lindsay O’Donnell Ford Mondeo
Richard Dimmock Photography