25-year-old Martin got a good start from position four but found himself boxed out at the first chicane and was forced to let fellow row two starter Glenn Seton slot into third place. Unfortunately Grant Denyer was right on the two time Australian Touring Car Champion’s bumper and demoted car 16 to fifth.

Perhaps it was lucky that Martin let Denyer through for three corners later the television presenter missed his braking marker and slammed into the back of Seton with both cars spinning.

Thankfully Martin’s MGL Global, Sign-A-Rama backed entry managed to dodge the chaos and he set about chasing down race leader Stokell in the sister Melbourne Performance Centre entry.

A 2m11.6181s flier from Martin on lap 2 brought the gap down dramatically and would stand as the fastest lap of the race until the final tour when Chris Alajajian (2m10.8780s), Stokell and Seton all posted faster times.

Lap three saw Martin again fastest of the leading trio as the gap reduced to 1.58 seconds. With three laps to go it was 1.25 seconds and the following lap the young Queenslander was close enough to have a look inside Caratti at the end of the beach straight.

Despite being locked in battle with Caratti, Martin was the fastest driver on lap six however a shortcut move over the chicane appeared to provide the West Australian with an advantage. Nevertheless Martin had another look off the beach straight with the cars making minor, albeit inconsequential contact.

Stokell claimed victory by 1.1904s over Caratti with Martin 2.1274s behind the race winner.

With the top 6 reverse grid format in place for Race Two tomorrow Alajajian will start on pole position alongside series debutant Ryan Hansford, while Scott Bargwanna starts alongside Martin on row two.

“I had a fantastic time,” said Martin. “I was hoping to get him (Caratti) but I couldn’t quite get it done. The braking in these cars is unbelievable. I’m disappointed we couldn’t get second but we’re improving every time so I hope we can get a win.”

“I got a good start but I was alongside Seto at the first chicane and he could have put me into the wall if he wanted so I went to slot in behind but Denyer was already there so that was that. It was kind of lucky that it worked out that way though as it could have been me getting turned around instead of Glenn.”

“I am getting quicker and quicker every time I drive the car relative to the other drivers and I believe I can win a race this weekend. They are interesting cars to drive and I’m learning what makes them tick with every lap. I only had about 12 laps in the car prior to the race so to set fastest lap quite early in the race and have it stands until the last lap was rather pleasing.”

Race Two of Round 6 of the 2009 MINI Challenge, delivered by Pizza Capers will be held at 2.05pm tomorrow (Saturday) EST Time.

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