Best unlucky in frenzied Townsville Super2 race

By James Kleeman

Jul 12, 2022

On fire: Benalla product Zak Best continues to shine behind the wheel. Photo: contributed.

Benalla’s Zak Best was unfortunate not to leave Townsville’s Reid Park Street Circuit with more after an impressive outing at round four of the Dunlop Super2 Series last weekend.

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The local product rounded out a big weekend with an albeit disappointing finale, but nevertheless jumped two spots on the series ladder from seventh to fifth overall.

The Tickford racing speedster started his weekend in Townsville well, securing pole for race one after an extremely tight finish in qualifying.

Best finished just 0.04 seconds ahead of his nearest opponent in Tyler Everingham.

He would go on to finish second in race one after a slow start allowed Everingham to garner an advantage which he clung unto despite pressure from the Tickford young gun.

A weekend of tight margins continued for Best, after Triple Eight’s Declan Fraser then took pole position for race two, finishing an astonishing 0.0122 seconds faster than Best in qualifying.

Fraser took full advantage of his front row placing in the final race, holding a lead for all 18 laps with most run under safety car.

Best got off to an unfortunate start after Everingham’s strong getaway from row two resulted in a collision which sent Everingham into the wall along with series leader Matt Payne.

Another crunch at turn four resulted in damage to Best’s Ford.

The Tickford driver was unable to recover and quickly fell down the order, but managed to finish the day in 22nd to take home valuable points.

Best will suit up for his next Supercars wildcard appearance at The Bend from July 29 to 31.