David Russell has scored his first win of the 2015 season in the opening Porsche Carrera Cup Australia race at Bathurst, while Shane Smollen continued his strong form at ‘The Mountain’ to expand his TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge points lead.

Youngster Matt Campbell was the star driver early in the day, taking the TAG Heuer Pole Position Award with a time of 2:06.2099, 2.43secs quicker than the previous qualifying lap record.

Campbell then led from the start of race one and pulled a small gap on the field before a mid-race safety car. Campbell’s race bid for victory then came unstuck when he ran wide on the exit of turn one at the restart, which allowed Russell to lead the race into turn two.

While Campbell challenged for the lead in the remaining laps, he was unable to regain the top spot, handing Russell his first race win of the 2015 season.

“It’s taken long enough to get my first race win of the season,” said a relieved Russell, who last won a Carrera Cup race at the 2014 Gold Coast season finale.

“I was impressed by Matt’s pace. He had a great start but made it easier for me on the restart when he ran wide. It’s great to get a win here at Bathurst and also for the championship chase, which is still pretty tight.”

Campbell finished in second from Nick Foster, Steven Richards, Craig Baird, Nick McBride, Michael Almond, Richard Muscat, Duvashen Padayachee and Fraser Ross in 10th.

Campbell was pleased with his pace, though lamented a missed opportunity in what could have been his third race win of the season.

“I was happy with my pace; I set the fastest lap again, which was good,” said Campbell.

“I was able to create a good margin from the field early on before the safety car. I was pushing after the restart and made a small mistake, which allowed Russell to get by. Hopefully I can go one better tomorrow.”

Smollen had a bitter sweet Friday at Bathurst. The TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge points leader crashed in qualifying, however his third lap of the session was quick enough to secure 12th outright and pole position in class.

Smollen then went on to take the class win in race one from Tony Bates, Stephen Grove, series returnee Tony Walls, Ash Samadi, Marc Cini, Adrian Mastronardo and newcomer Brenton Griguol.

“The day didn’t start as planned; it was great to rescue pole after the qualifying incident; I had great speed this morning but pushed a little too hard,” said Smollen.

“Regardless, that enabled us to start from pole position in class. I just try to drive a measured race and maintain a gap right to the end. I am happy to bank the win and the points.”

Scott Taylor and James Bergmuller failed to finish the race; both caught up in an incident at The Chase, which brought out the mid-race safety car.

Third place allowed Foster to extend his championship lead to 24.5 points from Richards, with Baird 53.5 points further behind with five races remaining for the season.

Smollen also strengthened his lead in the TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge standings, now 29 points ahead of his nearest rival, Stephen Grove.

Porsche Carrera Cup Australia will hold its second race of the Bathurst event on Saturday at 4:25pm, with the final race of the penultimate to be held on Sunday morning before the 1000km V8 Supercars event.

Race Schedule
Saturday October 10, 2015
4:25pm Race 2 (10 laps)
Sunday October 11, 2015
9:25am Race 3 (10 laps)

Broadcast Schedule
Fox Sports 5 (Channel 506)
Race 2 – 4:25pm, Saturday October 10, 2015
Race 3 – 9:25am, Sunday October 11, 2015
Channel 10
Race 2 – 4:25pm, Saturday October 10, 2015
Race 3 – 9:25am, Sunday October 11, 2015

Race 1 Results
1. #10 David Russell (Professional) Finance Ezi – 9 laps, 24:02.8832s
2. #7 Matt Campbell (Professional) Phase 8/Nuveau Constructions – 9 laps, 24:03.1073s
3. #777 Nick Foster (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts – 9 laps, 24:03.8691s
4. #1 Steven Richards (Professional) Laser Plumbing & Electrical – 9 laps, 24:04.2468s
5. #8 Craig Baird (Professional) Windsor Smith – 9 laps, 24:05.2909s
6. #77 Nick McBride (Professional) Bob Jane T-Marts – 9 laps, 24:06.7479s
7. #26 Michael Almond (Professional) Copyworld/Toshiba – 9 laps, 24:08.8925s
8. #22 Richard Muscat (Professional) Wilson Security/PAYCE/Genis Steel – 9 laps, 24:09.2040s
9. #45 Duvashen Padayachee (Professional) Darrell Lea STIX – 9 laps, 24:09.5718s
10. #65 Fraser Ross (Professional) Porsche Centre Brighton – 9 laps, 24:15.8307s
11. #25 John Martin (Professional) Copyworld/OPS Gateway – 9 laps, 24:16.2435s
12. #56 Shane Smollen (Carrera Challenge) McGrath Estate Agents – 9 laps, 24:18.5622s
13. #24 Tony Bates (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) AFS/Fleetguard – 9 laps, 24:18.7213s
14. #4 Stephen Grove (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Grove Group – 9 laps, 24:22.1928s
15. #5 Tony Walls (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Objective Racing – 9 laps, 24:25.3691s
16. #6 Ash Samadi (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Apartment Hotel – 9 laps, 24:27.2626s
17. #9 Marc Cini (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) Hallmarc – 9 laps, 24:28.1979s
18. #39 Adrian Mastronardo (Carrera Challenge) Veritas/Builtform – 9 laps, 24:36.2863s
19. #69 Brenton Griguol (Carrera Challenge) Koala Car Rentals – 9 laps, 25:12.7861s
DNF 222 Scott Taylor (Carrera Challenge) Scott Taylor Motorsport – 6 laps, 20:35.3066s
DNF 13 James Bergmuller (TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge) MotorOne Car Care – 2 laps, 4:36.0129s