Feb 12

Feb 12 Joey Mawson returns to form to take out S5000 opener

Reigning champion Joey Mawson has won the S5000 Australian Drivers' Championship opener in Tasmania.

Joey Mawson has returned to form with victory in the S5000 opener in Tasmania. *(Stan Sport)*

Mawson took the lead at the start and didn't look back, holding off a spirited challenge from James Golding to take victory in the first race of the 2022 season.

James Golding started on pole after another blistering session at Symmons Plains, just 0.065 seconds ahead of Mawson.

It was Mawson who had the best start off the grid and came out of turn 2 in the lead ahead of Golding.

Youngster Cooper Webster was also past Tim Slade at the start, but the Supercars driver fought his way back into third by the end of the opening lap.

Joey Mawson took the top step ahead of James Golding and Tim Slade. *(Stan Sport)*

Golding kept pace with the reigning champion as the pair peeled away from the chasing pack.

The Valvoline Team GRM driver drew close and looked set to mount an overtake on lap ten but was unable to find a way around the Alabar/Form 700 Team BRM driver.

Joey Mawson was able to hold his lead to the chequered flag after 25 laps, taking his winning ways into the 2022 Australian Drivers' Championship.

“It was a great race for us,” said Mawson.

“Once I got the start and the lead into turn one, I knew I was going to be in a good position because it’s challenging to follow.”

“I was really comfortable starting from second position and the start was great, from there I just had to manage the pressure from James.”

“ The team gave me a great car and I was able to push on later in the race and build a bit of a margin later in the race. It’s a great start to the year.”

James Golding was second, with Tim Slade taking the final podium position for a Team BRM one-three finish.

Mawson also reclaimed the Symmons Plains outright lap record with a fastest lap of 48.560s.

The S5000 Australian Drivers' Championship will return for two more races on Sunday.

Both races will be live and ad-free on Stan Sport, with 9Gem to broadcast Race 2.

S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship - Symmons Plains Race 1 Results