Martin On Song In Qualifying

Story By: F3 Media Release  Date: 23/10/2008

JOHN MARTIN has taken pole ahead of the first race of the Nikon Indy 300 F3 Challenge on the streets of Surfers Paradise, which will be held this afternoon.

Using all of his experience gained from racing overseas, Martin drove his Piccola Scuderia Corse Dallara F307 with Mercedes Benz power to demolish the field in qualifying.

With a time of 1m47.0993, Martin was 1.58-seconds quicker than his nearest rival James Winslow (1m48.6827, Team BRM), while Chris Alajajian will start third in his Astuti Motorsport Dallara F307 (1m49.1118).

Also, who knows how valuable the extra point he gained from capturing pole position will be by weekend's end to decide the winner of the Nikon Indy 300 F3 Challenge.

Carlos Huertas of R-Tek Motorsport was the quickest National Class runner, with the seventh quickest time (1m50.4894) in his Dallara F304, ahead of Chris Gilmour and Ben Crighton.

Jesse Wakeman was the pick of the Trophy Class crop, steering his Dallara F301 to eleventh with a time of 1m54.8544.

The format of this weekend sees the cars heading straight into the races. The first race of three at the Nikon Indy 300 F3 Challenge will take place later this afternoon, and will be held over 10 laps.

Qualifying Results, Top Five:
1. John Martin 1m47.0993
2. James Winslow + 1.5834
3. Chris Alajajian + 2.0125
4. Nathan Caratti + 2.4089
5. Leanne Tander + 2.7185