Jonathan Allard is on what you call a heater. Dating back to his final races in the United States, the Chico, CA driver has won four of his last five races as he pocked the International Series opener on Sunday night at the Western Springs Speedway.
“This thing was a pleasure to drive again, and I owe it all to my guys for all of their preparation during the off-season,” Allard said. “To come out and pick up two wins quick is a great feeling.”
Taking on Steve Kinser, Brad Loyet, and a host of New Zealand’s finest, Allard showed he would be tough on this night as he raced his way to a pair of heat race wins from the seventh starting spot in each race.
Earning the highest point total when heats were concluded, Allard lined up on the front row of the NZ vs. USA Dash. Electing to start on the outside front row, JA battled with Jamie McDonald for the first lap before shaking the challenge and racing his way to the win in convincing fashion.
Lining up on the pole of the 30-lap A Main event, Allard was hard on the throttle as Jamie McDonald and Steve Kinser flanked him. Opening up a sizeable lead, Allard quickly found himself in dense traffic but timely cautions would give him the clear track he desired.
Staying committed to the high-side, Allard would chose the outside lane on each restart, as he was never really challenged for the top spot as he picked up his second win in-a-row in NZ and his fourth in five races.
“We have some great people involved with this team, and it is great to reward them,” Allard said. “We will look to keep this going, and hope that the rain lets us race on Wednesday (in New Zealand).”