Lachlan Mineeff chases GT4 success

Southern Highlands racer Lachlan Mineeff and Shane Smollen are preparing to consolidate their points lead in the Pro-Am class of the Monochrome GT4 Australia Series, when it resumes for Round 2 at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park this weekend.
 
Mineeff and Smollen left the season opener at Phillip Island at the top of the standings, despite some setbacks during the event, and are hoping for a less eventful experience this time around.
 
“For us to come away from the Phillip Island round leading the championship in our class was quite amazing considering some of the dramas we encountered, considering unfortunately we were hit in the pit lane leaving us with damage for the races,” Mineeff said.
 
“It just shows why you should never give up, and the points we gained were a great reward for our crew who patched the car up so we could race competitively on the Sunday. However, this weekend we’re hoping for results without the chaos.
 
This weekend will mark Mineeff’s first visit to the Tailem Bend venue in five years, his last visit to the track coming in 2019 when he won the Australian Formula Ford Championship round.
 
“It’s been a long time since I’ve raced at The Bend, but it certainly has fond memories for me,” Mineeff said.
 
“This weekend’s races will be held on the West circuit, which includes the long front straight but takes out a lot of the high-speed corners around the back part of the circuit.
 
“Overall, it makes the track more of a stop-start affair, with a couple of big braking zones at Turns 1 and 6. The GT4 cars should put on some entertaining racing, because there are a few good overtaking opportunities.”
 
Mineeff and Smollen will have plenty of time to dial themselves into the track with some unofficial practice sessions on Thursday before the official timed sessions on Friday.
 
Qualifying and the first one-hour race will be held on Saturday, followed by Race 2 on Sunday; the races will both be shown live on 7Plus.