RAM Motorsport’s Michael Sheargold believes he and teammate Garth Walden’s successful weekend at Queensland Raceway could have been even better if luck went their way.
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS, the duo enjoyed two podium results to extend their lead at the top of the AM Class standings.
With two races making up the fourth event of the season, Sheargold and Walden finished a chaotic opening race third in class, having secured pole position earlier in the day, before guiding the Mercedes-AM to victory in the second one-hour outing for the round.
Although they just missed out on a clean sweep of wins, their Saturday podium still proved a success after they avoided multiple incidents and safety car interventions.
“It was a very good weekend at Queensland Raceway. I think we were probably unlucky not to even have a better weekend,” said Sheargold.
“We managed to stay out of the carnage in Race 1, but the safety cars played into the hands of some of our competitors and really brought them back into the race.
“Whereas, if the race had stayed clean, we were probably on for an even better result.
“But to still get third was a very good result, and I made a good step forward with my driving to have a good tussle for that third position.“
One of the major highlights for the category itself came ahead of Sunday’s victory, where a huge Shannons SpeedSeries crowd enjoyed the cars up close and personal as part of the free Grid Walk.
“It was cool to have the grid walk, to see the people amongst the cars, to get up close and have a look,” added Sheargold.
“And personally, it was cool to be able to take a snap in front of the car on the grid with the family.”
With just three rounds remaining in the season, Sheargold was pleased the team was leading the way in the AM class and looked forward to a strong run home.
“We came into the weekend with a one-point lead, so to be able to extend that margin to eleven is definitely a positive. But there are still four races to go, and anything can happen,” said Sheargold.
“The guys in second place are consistent and strong. I’m really enjoying racing them and the contest.
“We’ll keep pressing on and see if we can pick up another point or two buffer at the next one.”
The next round of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS will be the GT Festival at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on 23-25 August, which will be free for all fans to attend.