Pye rues first-lap Davison clash

Scott Pye has labelled his Race 20 DNF a “huge negative” following a promising Saturday.

Pye was out on the spot after a first-lap clash with Will Davison in Townsville.

It came after Pye raced to fifth in Saturday’s race.

Come Sunday, Pye and Davison were line astern at Turn 3 when the former was sent into the wall.

Davison recovered to seventh, but Pye wasn’t so lucky.

It was the sixth time in the last 10 races that Pye had failed to reach the finish.

"A lot of positives to take away from the weekend but one huge negative with the DNF in the last race,” he said.

"Our car speed all weekend was great, made the Top Ten Shootout on both days so we qualified well.

"In the last race I made a great start and was trying to pass for third through Turn 3.

“Clipped the apex kerb and bounced wide which forced Davison into the tyre barrier.

“He then bounced back out and hit my rear wheel, spun me around and tore the suspension out of the car.”

Pye is now 20th in the points, 295 points behind Team 18 teammate Mark Winterbottom.

The South Australian-born driver was otherwise pleased with his speed despite Sunday’s clash.

"Unfortunately it happens, we’re pushing hard to try and get through,” he said.

"Hindsight would be wonderful right now to go relive it all.

“We take the positives and focus on the next event which is our great car speed and go to The Bend feeling confident.

“Hopefully we can snag a couple more results like we did on Saturday.”

The 2022 season will resume at the OTR Bend SuperSprint on July 30-31. Purchase your tickets now.