EVENT // SHANNON'S NATIONALS @ EASTERN CREEK

It's not that often in Australia when you can walk down pit lane of a race circuit and be quite simply blown away by the cars on display. Last weekend was a little different to what I’m normally used to when the Shannon’s Nationals series came to Eastern Creek International Raceway, in Sydney Australia.  As I started my routine walk down pitlane I spotted two Lamborghini Gallardo race cars, nice I thought, but to the right there was a full carbon bodied Aston Martin DBRS9. As I walked further down pit lane there is a bunch of production race cars, such as the new Evo X, BMW 335i and HSV’s. Further along there is a bunch for Formula 3 race cars and as I get near the end of pitlane, I spot a bunch of Porsche GT3 cup cars. I thought to myself that I have truly been blessed with some amazing cars to shoot today... [read more]

The first to hit the track were the VodkaO Australian GT Championship race cars and just before they where ment to head out I was in pit lane while the drivers were preparing themselves for the upcoming sessions. I always find it interesting to watch the drivers as they get themselves into the zone

Although this class is almost dominated by European manufactures there was a very nicely decked out Dodge viper keeping the other bigger manfactures in check.

The two Lambos where in a class of their own compared to the rest of the field not only on track, but in their presentation and the amazing sound coming from the 5.0L engine.

Kicking on their heels was Theo Koundouris in his Superbarn backed Porsche GT3 cup car.

The Boylans Traffic Solutions Australian Manufacturers Championship is also another regular on the Shannon’s Nationals circuit. Its seems that this class is beginning to be dominated by a field of Mitsubishi EVO 10 with the Mount Vincent evo10 taking out the honours for all three races.

Garrys Holts 12 hr BMW 335i which we featured earlier this year (Insert link) was doing his best to run down the Evos, but didnt quite have what it takes to take them down.

Also another 12 hour competitor Bob Pearson was further demonstrating the dominance of the all conquering EVO X

The craziest bunch of drivers on track were each and every one of the 29 of competitors competing in the Superkarts class. To put this into perspective these karts were lapping in the 1min 30sec mark, which is on par with the V8 Supercar lap record for this circuit. Not only where they going stupidly fast they were running three karts wide through most corners. Although they where amazing to watch i personally thing they all have a death wish!!

The major draw card for this event where the Formula 3 race cars. Although the numbers where down, the racing was great with the majority of competitors lapping in the 1min 24 sec range.

Shannon’s nationals is such a great series and you guys can expect more coverage when they hit up Oran Park in less than three weeks time.

More photos from the event can be found here
 
To find out more about the series check out the Shannon’s Nationals website here
 
Photo/Editioral: Matthew Mead