Erebus Motorsport’s Brodie Kostecki has returned to the winner’s circle in the latest round of the Cash Converters Supercars Eseries held at Phillip Island.
Kostecki led from pole, but held off a sustained challenge from Matt Stone Racing’s Reuben Goodall for the majority of the 15-lap event, though a late safety car led to a thrilling finish.
Cash Converters driver Justin Ruggier charged through to take second from Goodall as he just missed victory by 0.1s and completed a remarkable comeback after being spun by Brad Jones Racing’s Andre Heimgartner early.
Given a drive through penalty for his involvement in the incident, Heimgartner recovered to sixth.
Just missing the podium were Matt McLean and Brad Vaughan.
In the Pro Series, Madison Down made it back-to-back wins in his Brad Jones Racing entry at Phillip Island, leading a 1-2 for the team as Jake Burton followed by just 0.2s.
Burton continues to lead the standings as Andrew Gilliam for Matt Stone Racing rounded out the podium from Tickford Racing’s Jordan Caruso and the Erebus Motorsport entry of Jarrad Filsell.
Reigning champion Dayne Warren experienced another tough race as he steadily drops out of contention. Walkinshaw Andretti United driver Warren started on the front-row and elected to take an aggressive undercut strategy by pitting on the opening lap.
Warren was third on corrected positions behind Down and Burton, but faded due to older tyres as he dropped to sixth.
The two Brad Jones Racing entries pushed hard throughout the race, as rival Filsell experienced a slow stop leading to a minor recovery to fifth as he took advantage of Warren’s tyre woes.
The Cash Converters Supercars Eseries continues next week at Bathurst for an enduro.