MEDIA RELEASE/HMO Customer Racing – Photos: Velocity Magazine

Josh Buchan has finally broken the drought for HMO Customer Racing in Race 1 of the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series at Sydney Motorsport Park today.

Buchan had lined up in second place for the opening race at SMSP with the Renault Megane of Dylan O’Keeffee on pole. Buchan soon found himself alone when the Renault Megane took to the pit entry road towards the end of the formation lap.

The #30 HMO Customer Racing Hyundai i30 N TCR car encountered some wheelspin as the lights went out. He was quickly challenged by John Martin and James Moffat on the run to the first turn. Buchan dropped to second but reclaimed the lead a lap later. From that point he remained in charge to the chequered flag, to secure his first TCR Australia Series win.

Nathan Morcom also had wheelspin during the race start and dropped a couple of places. He spent the first half of the race regaining lost ground and then moved ahead to 5th. Morcom found himself against an immoveable object in the form of Honda’s Tony D’Alberto and the pair spent the remainder of the race in a battle for 4th place. D’Alberto knew just how to position the Honda to prevent a half chance for Morcom and that was where the air finished the race.

Duvashen Padayachee had a productive race and rose four places from his qualifying position. Whilst pleased with the result, Padayachee is also keen to improve further in the two Sunday races.

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(Car #11) Nathan  Morcom
Qualifying 1:34.0439 (6th)       Race 1: 5th.     Fastest lap 1:36.9857 

“I botched the start, dropped a couple of places and then tried to get back to where I had started the race. I past a few cars, did a couple of qualifying laps and then that was that. It was pretty hard get to move ahead of the Honda, we are quite evenly matched in straight-line and corner speed. There were also less places to pass this year with the track
resurfacing atTurn 2. It is so grippy there now and cars don’t run wide. I had a good battle with Tony D’Alberto, we ran close and he made some little mistakes, but nothing on which I could capitalise. We just need to tune up the car tonight and get it ready for tomorrow, with a better start!”

(Car #30) Josh Buchan
Qualifying   1:33.5786  (2nd)       Race 1: 1st.  Fastest lap 1:35.5674

“I got a bit of wheelspin off the start and John Martin took the lead. His car wasn’t up to temperature and I had great speed, so I just wanted to get past him as quickly as possible. I took whatever opportunity arose and that was at Turn 1. It felt very comfortable to be out in front and, to be honest, that’s where I like to be. I don’t get nervous and I prefer to dictate the pace for the rest of the field.

Seeing the chequered flags ahead and crossing the finish line in first brought a real sense of relief. That was the overriding emotion. Not just for me, but everyone who has helped me get to this point in time. The result solidifies their support for me throughout my entire career, not just these last couple of months. It is also a relief to the HMO Customer Racing Team. They were here until all hours last night and they do that at every race weekend. So I’m really happy to give them something back. Looking around the garage right now, they’re the ones who are enjoying this the most. As for tomorrow, twice repeat!”

(Car #130)
 Duvashen Padayachee
Qualifying   1:35.5746  (21st)       Race 1: 17th.   Fastest lap 1:37.3257

“Race 1 went okay. I made some spots up which is pretty good, but I’m not on the same pace as Josh and Nathan. I’ve got a bit of homework to do tonight and then come back  and try again tomorrow. The car felt pretty racey but there are a few things we need to tweak that should better suit my driving style.”

HMO Customer Racing CEO, Barry Morcom

“Today is a step in the right direction. The boys have been working hard on the cars all year and it all paid off for them today. Josh did a great job. Cars are good and in front, we can only hope that there is more of the same tomorrow.”

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