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 Team
BRM’s Karl Reindler clinched the 2004 Australian Formula 3
drivers championship this morning on the streets of the Gold Coast,
after a conservative drive in the third and final race of the round
saw the 19 year old West Australian score enough points to seal
the crown over rival Chris Gilmour.
Doing
just enough to assure himself of the crown, Reindler diced with
championship rival Chris Gilmour in the early stages of the race,
surviving a moment in turn one to pull away in fourth position.
The
race didn’t end there though, as the #19 Dallara’s brake
pedal sunk to the floor on the last lap, allowing Gilmour past.
However, the points gained by the team BRM driver in the opening
two races were enough, Reindler holding on to win the title by just
three points.
The
win marks the first major championship win for Reindler, who only
moved into the championship at the mid point of the 2003 season.
“I
am completely over the moon with this result,” Said Reindler.
“I was a bit nervous before the race, but once I jumped in
the car I was ok. I had a few frights in the race, with a moment
down at turn one, and my brake pedal sinking to the floor on the
last lap, but I was still able to do what was required.”
After
a season which had everything from dominating victories to controversial
black flag’s, Reindler was thankful that the series was all
wrapped up.”
“I
have to thank the team for the last one and a half years of racing,
they have been fantastic. I also want to thank my family and everyone
who has supported me and sponsored me during my career. This is
fantastic!”
Whilst
all eyes were on the intense championship battle, Marcus Marshall
again lead all the way from Pole Position, fighting off a determined
pack keen to beat the Gold Coast resident who dominated the previous
two races.
Again
using his British F3 experience to the maximum, Marshall negotiated
the lapped traffic and held off the charging pack to record a perfect
score for the weekend driving his #4 No Limits Property Group /
AEG power Tools Dallara F301 Speiss Opel.
Nic
Jordan put the gremlins of the last few days behind him, taking
his Coopers Pale Ale Dallara F398 to a Yokohama Trophy Class victory.
Starting from the rear of the grid, Jordan cut through the field
with ease to finish the race in 7th position outright.
“I
was a bit doubtful about the race before the start, when you consider
all of the bad luck I have had this weekend.” Commented a relieved
16-year-old kiwi. “But once I was racing I had a lot of fun.
It was great to get another race win in Trophy class, and end the
season on a high.”
Team
BRM owner Bronte Rundle was naturally delighted with the result,
and impressed with the progress that the new champion has made in
the last few years.
“Two
and a half years ago, a 17 year old west Australian driver came
to us having never driven a race car with gears or a clutch. Today,
he is the Australian Formula 3 champion.” Said Rundle.
“This
result is a testament to the hard work by all at Team BRM, and Karl’s
desire to learn and achieve more each time he jumped in the car.”
For
the team, the championship crown is the culmination of a year’s
hard work behind the scenes.
“Personally,
I am really happy for the team. Everyone has put in 100% for the
entire season. Every single person contributed to Karl’s success,
and that is the way that this team operates.” He said.
“Winning
the Australian is a significant key in the lock that can open doors
to the wide world of motorsport. Hopefully Karl can now move forward
in his career into British or Euro Formula 3 racing. After working
with him for the last few years, the team is certain that he will
do well.”
But
for now, Team BRM can look back on the final round of the 2004 Australian
Formula 3 championship with satisafction, after scoring a clean
sweep of race wins, the Yokohama Trophy championship and, most importantly,
the 2004 Australian Formula 3 title for Karl Reindler.
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