The second SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks race at the Gold Coast 600 weekend took place on Saturday at noon, continuing their role as an undercard event for the V8 Supercars.
In practice, Paul Morris and Sara Price were involved in an accident; while attempting to pass Price, Morris collided with her left rear, sending the two into the tire barrier. Price flipped upon hitting the barrier, followed by Morris rolling as well, the two landing on their roofs. Price eventually withdrew from the second race.
Morris started on the pole for the race, though suffered from mechanical troubles prior to the start and had to undergo repairs while the rest of the field was on the parade lap; he eventually caught up and was able to start the race. Craig Dontas started 2nd but was replaced by Brad Gallard for the race. Morris led the first lap but entered the pits on lap 2 due to further truck problems. Later in the lap, Toby Price collided with Matt Nolan, who hit the barrier chicane. Similar to Friday’s race, the caution was flown for the accident to replace the barrier.
Racing resumed on lap 4, with Sheldon Creed taking the lead. Unlike Friday, the competition caution was not bypassed and was flown later that lap. As it approached, Nolan lost his hood, which had been damaged in the prior contact with the barrier. On the restart two laps later, Robby Gordon claimed the lead, while Creed began falling and Traxxas teammate Matt Brabham inherited 2nd. Gordon led for the remainder of the race to win his third event of the year and his second in the Hot Wheels #2 truck.
Brabham finished 2nd by 1.308 seconds, followed by Shaun Richardson recording his first career podium finish. In contrast to the close margin between 1st and 2nd, Gordon held a 32.401-second lead over Richardson. Toby Price and Bill Hynes followed to round out the top five. After dropping from 2nd, Creed finished 6th, with Nolan finishing behind him. P. J. Jones stopped in the middle of the track on the final lap but was able to restart the truck and finish 8th. Gallard finished 9th and Morris was classified in 10th. Officially, Price and Dontas were listed as 11th and 12th, respectively.
The third and final race will be held on Sunday.
Featured image courtesy of @SSuperTrucks
