It was a disappointing day for Triple Eight Race Engineering’s Scott Pye, who suffered a series of unfortunate events throughout today's two Dunlop Series races, to finish the event 10th overall.
Pye started today's reverse grid race from seventh on the grid, launching off the line and into fourth by Turn 2 on the opening lap.
Keeping the pressure on the cars in front, the Monster Energy/ Gear Wrench supported driver was holding solid pace until third placed Luke Youlden braked early into Turn 7 and was collected by Pye.
The #80 pilot was dealt a black flag and a drive through penalty.
After being relegated to the back of the field, Pye began to charge up the order before Daniel Jilesen out braked himself on the final lap, sending the Triple Eight Race Engineering pilot into the wall at Turn 3 and ending Pye’s race.
With overall meeting points determining the Dunlop Series drivers starting position for the final 18 lap race, Pye started from ninth on the grid.
Pye gained a few positions off the line, but was pushed into traffic at Turn 2, bending his steering arm and forcing him back to 12th position.
The Adelaide born driver managed to gain one position on the last lap 12 to finish 11th.
“I got off to a good start in the first race and was pressuring the cars up front to get past them," Pye explained. "I had good pace but unfortunately one of the cars in front of me braked extremely early and I had no where to go.
“After taking the drive through penalty, I was coming back through the field and Daniel Jeilsen sent me front first into the wall, causing substantial damage to the car. The team did an incredible job fixing it before the next race.
“I got a really good start in the final race but unfortunately a few cars behind me out-braked themselves, pushing me into the cars in front and I ended up with a bent steering arm," he continued.
“The Commodore still had good pace considering it’s condition and i gained a spot on the last lap.
"We now look forward to Queensland Raceway where We will aim for a better result,” Pye concluded.
Pye ended the Sucrogen Townsville 400 tenth overall, collecting 153 points for the weekend. The Triple Eight Race Engineer now sits fourth in the Dunlop Series Championships on 624 points.
Round 4 of the Dunlop Series will take place the Coates Hire Ipswich 300 from August 3-5.
Top Ten Dunlop Series Round Three Meeting Points - Sucrogen Townsville 400
1: Scott McLaughlin, 290 pts.
2: Nick Percat, 282 pts.
3: Chaz Mostert, 225 pts.
4: George Miedecke, 207 pts.
5: Tim Blanchard, 191 pts.
6: David Russell, 179 pts.
7: Geoff Emery, 159 pts.
8: Drew Russell, 157 pts.
9: Luke Youlden, 154 pts.
10: Scott Pye, 153 pts.
Top Ten Dunlop Series Championship Points Standings:
1: Scott McLaughlin, 828 pts.
2: Chaz Mostert, 768 pts.
3: Nick Percat, 681 pts.
4: Scott Pye, 624 pts.
5: Luke Youlden, 613 pts.
6: Ashley Walsh, 564 pts.
7: Tim Blanchard, 508 pts.
8: David Russell, 465 pts
9: George Miedecke, 455 pts.
10: Drew Russell, 441 pts.
