Cub Cadet Racing’s Anton De Pasquale claimed second place in Race 34 at the Sandown 500, chasing Matt Payne to the chequered flag and finishing just 0.7382 seconds shy of the victory he needed to reach the Final Four. Snowy River Racing’s David Reynolds gained 10 positions in the to finish 13th.

De Pasquale was second fastest in qualifying to book his place in the Top Ten Shootout, while Reynolds had a braking issue on his final flying lap and qualified 23rd. His 1:08.2105 shootout lap secured a front-row start, just 0.1001 seconds off Payne’s pole time.

Both Team 18 drivers made clean starts to the 79 lap race. De Pasquale held second behind Payne, while Reynolds gained seven places in the opening 10 laps.

De Pasquale stopped for tyres and fuel on Lap 26, with Reynolds making his first stop on Lap 30. Reynolds set a series of fastest sectors during his middle stint before returning to pit lane on Lap 49. De Pasquale made his second stop on Lap 52 and set his fastest lap of the race on Lap 56.

De Pasquale closed to within a second of Payne with three laps remaining and kept the pressure on to the flag, securing a podium as his Finals campaign came to an end.

Both Team 18 entries will return for the season finale at the bp Adelaide Grand Final from 26–29 November.

RESULTS & QUOTES

Anton De Pasquale, #18 Cub Cadet Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Qualifying: P2 (1:08.090)
Shootout: P2 (1:08.2105)
Race 34: P2 (1:09.2835)

“We were towards the pointy end all day. We made the Shootout and got really close to pole, then it was a fast-paced race. We were reeling Matty in towards the end and just couldn’t quite get there. I’m happy with second.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite enough to stay in the Finals. It was super close and I’m proud of everyone. We had a really good day and I’m excited for Adelaide.”

David Reynolds, #48 Snowy River Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Qualifying: P23 (1:08.779)
Race 34: P13 (1:09.6840)

“It’s a long time in the car by yourself doing 80-odd laps each day. We didn’t get the most out of qualifying this morning and ended up 23rd. In the race, the car was pretty good at times and held on well over a stint.

“We made up 10 spots, then the pace fell away a bit in the last 10 laps. If we’d been able to keep that pace up, I think we could’ve finished in the top 10. It was an okay day overall. Qualifying pace is what we need to work on so we can start further up.

“I’m looking forward to Adelaide. It’s our last round on that layout, so I can’t wait to get there and try to bring home a trophy or two.”