all I had to do was keep it clean and consistent and push hard until the end. I was moving forward through the field and then 2 cars headed into turn one weren’t going to go and I veered too far left, hit the marbles and as I came back online I hit another competitor and completely spun out. Having a spin so early on meant I had a big challenge ahead. I dropped back to about 15th and started the slow climb forward. Our pit window was almost over so I headed in, having a lightning pit stop I came out on track in first place. I drove the wheels off my Waikato SsangYong ute until the flag dropped and finished third.

Race two was a complete reverse grid which meant I was now placed 24th from 26. The race stopped as quick as it started having a red flag in the first lap. We were soon back underway and I started the charge forward. The car was hot and my own sweat was dripping into my eyes, but that wasn’t going to stop me as I pushed my ute to its limits. Another blistering pit stop helped me to jump a few places up the ladder. I crossed the line in third place making me the only driver to finish both races on the podium. I was really able to put into practice and see how far I’ve come since the academy, the races today tested both my mental and physical abilities as we don’t have cool suits and prove that I’m willing to do what it takes.