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Dumbrell triumphs in action-packed first race

02 Aug 2014
Paul Dumbrell has steered his Holden Commodore to secure victory during a chaotic first race at the Coates Hire Ipswich 400.
2 mins by James Pavey
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Paul Dumbrell has steered his Holden Commodore to secure victory during a chaotic first race at the Coates Hire Ipswich 400.

The Eggleston Motorsport driver edged Cameron Water's Ford Performance Racing prepared Falcon for the jump, managing to hold on to the lead from start to finish, despite three safety cars shortening his lead margin.

The first safety car was deployed after Kristian Lindbom and Matt Hansen speared off the track in a multi-car incident, causing a grass fire on the circuit.

As racing commenced after the first restart, Waters made contact with Kiwi gun Chris Pither while collecting veteran Steven Johnson on the way through in a spectacular shunt, causing Pither's Ice-Break Commodore to catch fire.

The incident is being investigated post-race, although Johnson made his mind up in an interview during the broadcast.

Following his relegation to the rear of the grid due to a weigh bridge infringement from qualifying, Ash Walsh capitalised on the chaos, gaining 25 places to cross the line in fifth place.

While losing his series lead, Walsh said his finishing position exceeded his expectations.

"I just wanted to stay out of trouble and I was sorting hoping to get into the top ten, but I wasn't expecting it," he told v8supercars.com.au.

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"The race sort of just panned out that way, it was crazy.

"I want to try and get back the championship lead, so it just means that I've got to go out there and try and beat him tomorrow.

"It's on now, isn't it!"

Aaren Russell recorded his best race finish in the series, following Dumbrell to the chequered flag in second place.

Andrew Jones completed the podium, while Garry Jacobson guided his Commodore to be the second Eggleston Motorsport driver home in fourth.

Jack Le Brocq, Ant Pedersen, Paul Morris, Marcus Zukanovic and Morgan Haber rounded out the top ten.

The final race of the Dunlop Series at the Coates Hire Ipswich 400 will see a top ten reverse grid and 150 points on offer.

Racing kicks off tomorrow at 1.55pm EST.

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