The national title attracts the best from around the country.

The event is held over two nights of racing with the first night each driver competes in three heats and the second night is one heat then the finals.

Leeton’s Justin Hawkins and Wayne Bourke decided to take on the best with a mixed bag of results.

Hawkins was able to take a convincing win in his first heat and showed the other competitors he wasn’t there to pick daisies. 

In his second heat, starting from the rear, Hawkins was able to pick off other competitors to bring it home in third spot.

His third and final heat for the first night of racing, Hawkins started out of seventh place and yet again was able to pick off the other drivers and moving his commodore up to second place.

With these results Hawkins found himself on top of the leader board after the first night.

Bourke also had a good night on the first night with finishing third, second and fifth in his heats found himself in position nine after the first night of racing.

The second night of racing was a huge disappointment to Bourke as he was forced to retire from the event due to mechanical issues.

However, he pulled on a Shed2 race shirt and crewed for a hard-charging Hawkins.

In Hawkins’ last heat on the second night, he had his work set out in front of him starting 10^th.

He knew all he had to do was finish the race and he would have a spot in the A main final. When the green flag dropped Hawkins made his way through the field and was able to claim fourth in his last heat.

With these results, Hawkins qualified third in the A Main final. With the best of the best starting around Hawkins, he showed his talent and was holding third place at the start of the final. With his car not liking the pole line Hawkins found himself back in sixth spot after 30 laps of the 40 lap final after a stoppage.

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On the restart Hawkins moved up high on the track and it was clear his car was the fastest out there. He was able to go around the outside of the other competitors and worked his way back up to third spot.

Hawkins tried his best to overtake the top two, but in an achievement not to be sneezed at, he was crowed number three in Australia and was able to catch up with him after the race for a quick interview.

“I just came here to try and make the main dance and to qualify third was a dream come true,” Hawkins said. 

“I wish I tried the high line earlier in the race, which I’m sure would have made a better result, but I’m stocked to finish third in the Australian title as I’m here racing the best from all around our country.”

Hawkins also thanked those who continue to make his racing possible, including his sponsors, friends and family.

“Without them I wouldn’t be here, they are a great bunch of people,” he said.

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