In just his second V8 Supercar event, Triple Eight Race Engineering’s Scott Pye has taken his maiden Dunlop Series race victory, winning today's opening race at the Trading Post Perth Challenge.
Earlier in the morning Pye secured his first ever pole position posting the quickest time of the 30 minute session on his 13th lap.
The Monster Energy/GearWrench backed driver got a great start in the opening race, shooting to the lead which he retained for the entire race.
“Qualifying was fantastic, it couldn’t have gone much better,” Pye said. “I was a bit nervous in the middle of the session as I wasn’t getting the times needed but we were fortunate to put it on pole with two of my laps later in the session.”
“I got a great start in Race 1 and the car was fantastic.” Pye added. “The safety period gave me the chance to control the race and it felt awesome to take my first win.
"It’s a big hill to climb but I’m sure there are plenty more to come.
Saturday’s final race saw the grid for the top ten reversed. Pye started 10th but overheated the clutch off the line and struggled to maintain pace.
Pye lost two spots after the first safety car period but a second yellow flag allowed the Monster Energy/Gear Wrench supported driver to close the gap to the cars in front. After the restart Pye worked hard to regain his lost positions, eventually finishing tenth.
“The reverse grid was tough, Pye admitted. I held a little bit longer than I anticipated on the start line.
“I overheated the clutch and got a poor start, then I struggled for overall pace which we will work on overnight.”
With the grid for tomorrow's Dunlop Series race determined by today's combined Race 1 and 2 results, Pye will start on pole position for Race 3.
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Top Ten Dunlop Series Race 1 Results - Trading Post Perth Challenge
1: Scott Pye
2: Ashley Walsh
3: Scott McLaughlin
4: Chaz Mostert
5: Luke Youlden
6: Tim Blanchard
7: Andrew Jones
8: Nick Percat
9: Daniel Jilesen
10: Rodney Jane
Top Ten Dunlop Series Race 2 Results - Trading Post Perth Challenge
1: Nick Percat
2: Tim Blanchard
3: Luke Youlden
4: Scott McLaughlin
5: Chaz Mostert
6: Rodney Jane
7: Ashley Walsh
8: David Russell
9: Daniel Jilesen
10: Scott Pye
