The solid start to the 2016-17 season continued for Max Johnston last Saturday night at Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway, where he mirrored his second-place finish from a fortnight ago in the fourth Ultimate Sprintcar Championship NSW round.
Johnston started the 30-lap feature race from position seven and made an early charge, consistently moving his way up through the field and into third by lap 10. By lap 24, the 23-year-old racer had moved into second place, which he managed to hold on to for the remainder of the race, scoring his second runner-up finish within the space of a fortnight.
“We were close to the win, but once again we fell short by one spot,” expressed the NSW # 38 Airplant Services / Odell Bros Farming supported XXX driver.
“I didn’t qualify the best and that had me starting further down in the feature race order than I would’ve liked, and against such tough competition, it’s not easy coming from further back in the field.
“Once again, I can’t thank my team (Jessi, James, Paul and Neil) and all of my sponsors enough, because they’re the main reason I’m enjoying a great start to the season, and it’s pleasing to be able to continue to be bringing home consistent results for them.”
Earlier in the night, Johnston qualified 18th in qualifying time trials and then placed second in his heat race (after a pole-position start), which put him out of position seven for the feature race.
Johnston will have this weekend off, before returning to Valvoline Raceway on the Saturday night of November 19 for the second World Series Sprintcars Championship round.
“I’m really looking forward to World Series coming to Sydney, and I couldn’t have asked for better form to carry into it,” said Johnston.
“World Series runs a different format and also includes some of Australia’s best drivers, so I’m hoping to be able to continue to enjoy my current form.”