News
Cameron completes last-to-first drive, Herne champion in dramatic Tasman decider
NATHAN HERNE is the S5000 Tasman Series champion following a dramatic conclusion to the two-round, six race series today at the VALO Adelaide 500.
Aaron Cameron completed a remarkable last-to-first performance to claim the feature race, having qualified on pole but then crashed out of race one on Friday afternoon.
Cooper Webster and Blake Purdie completed the Adelaide podium however the biggest storyline was a clash between the two title contenders as they battled for the lead.
Starting from pole, Mawson made the best start and led the field into turn one, with Webster in behind and Herne third.
It didn’t take long for the latter to work his way past the Versa Motorsport driver, however, allowing him to set out after Mawson in front.
Herne had a run on Mawson into Turn nine on the third lap, the latter defending his line as they braked for the corner.
Contact between the two cars then pitched Mawson wide, the two then banging wheels as they gathered things up on the exit of the corner.
The contact launched Mawson into the air and damaged the left front and right rear corner of his Pilatus Team BRM entry, ending his race then and there.
Herne was damaged however was able to limp home in 13th position to seal the title.
Mawson was later penalised 15 championship points for moving under braking.
The race restarted following several laps of Safety Car with Webster leading Cameron in a battle for the lead.
On older tyres, Webster held on for six laps before Cameron executed a stunning pass up the inside at turn four to wrestle the lead away – one he would never lose.
The GRM driver managed the gap from there to record a stunning victory and end his Tasman Cup defence in the best possible style.
Webster finished second and Purdie third, with Jordan Boys fourth. Noah Sands was a solid fifth and in front of Giancarlo Fisichella, who made up for yesterday’s non-finish with a drive through the field to sixth.
Tim Macrow’s final S5000 race ended in seventh position with Ben and Jude Bargwanna and Sebastien Amadio completing the top-10.
Herne clinches the S5000 Tasman Series, backing up his 2021 and 2022 titles in the Turtle Wax Trans Am Series.
Cooper Webster’s fast run home has him in second position while Mawson’s non-finish, coupled with the 15-point penalty, drops him to third in the final standings.
FINAL STANDINGS – S5000 Tasman Series
(Provisional) Following Race 6/6
- Nathan Herne 187
- Cooper Webster 166
- Joey Mawson 161
- Jordan Boys 158
- Ben Bargwanna 154
- Noah Sands 123
- Jude Bargwanna 105
- Aaron Cameron 88
- Blake Purdie 82
- Elly Morrow 70