Brad Vaughan kicked off the 2026 Dunlop Super2 Series with a commanding victory in the first race held at Sydney Motorsport Park. Following a competitive qualifying session on Saturday, February 21, Vaughan swiftly demonstrated why he is a formidable force in the series.
The race began with Zak Best taking pole position, but his start was hampered as he executed a massive burnout when the lights signaled the race to begin. This mistake opened the door for Vaughan, who launched from the outside of the front row and seized the moment.
"I capitalized on the start and knew I had to make my move quickly," said Vaughan, reflecting on his successful maneuver off the line. His aggressive approach put him ahead of Best before Turn 1, ultimately setting the tone for the rest of the race.
Best soon faced further trouble as he was overtaken by Reuben Goodall, whose exceptional start propelled him up from sixth to second place. "It was an incredible feeling just to be battling at the front like that, especially when you make such a good start," Goodall remarked after the race.
As the laps progressed, Vaughan distanced himself from the pack, cruising to a comfortable win with an impressive margin of 3.4744 seconds. This victory not only marks his successful start to the season but also places him in an elite category of drivers. "It's a great honor to win the first race after finishing the previous season on a high note. To join names like Macrow and Waters in this achievement is special," Vaughan said.
While the front was clear for Vaughan, the fight for the remaining podium spots intensified. Goodall's persistence was tested as Ryan Tomsett from Anderson Motorsport began to close in with about ten minutes remaining. Tomsett's efforts were commendable, applying pressure to Goodall throughout the final laps but failing to break through.
"I was really pushing hard to make a move on Reuben, but he was defending well," said Tomsett. "It was a close battle but ultimately, I’m pleased with how things went."
As the race unfolded, Lochie Dalton engaged in a fierce contest with Ben Gomersall, vying for fifth position. Early in the race, Gomersall managed to fend off Dalton but faltered with a late lock-up into Turn 2 that cost him valuable time. "It was disappointing to lose that position after fighting so hard earlier on," Gomersall commented post-race. Luckily for him, he maintained a sufficient lead over the rest of the field, finishing in sixth place.
The performance of Matt Hillyer, Vaughan's teammate, stood out as he secured the position directly after the lead group, showcasing the potential of the Brad Jones Racing team this season. Hillyer mentioned, "We're all pushing each other hard in training and it shows how much we can achieve together."
Bayley Hall emerged as the top rookie in fourteenth place, demonstrating his capabilities among seasoned competitors. Across the board, an impressive turnout of 20 cars managed to finish on the lead lap, showcasing the competitive spirit of the championship.
As the Dunlop Super2 Series revs up for the upcoming races, Vaughan will be looking to maintain his momentum and capitalize on this victory. With such close competition in the ranks, fans can anticipate thrilling action as the season unfolds, and others will no doubt be eager to challenge Vaughan's newfound lead.
