In a true test of character, which had all the highs and lows that motorsport can throw at a competitor, Erebus Academy Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 driver Bailey Sweeny has come through an extraordinary break out weekend, as part of the NTI Supercars 500 weekend in Townsville, Qld
Across a National field, which included some of Australia’s most respected and well known ‘household name’ drivers, Sweeny has also been awarded the Dunlop Driver of the Day, recommended by Foxsports commentator Chad Neylon.
Erebus Academy driver Bailey Sweeny has stunned in Townsville to take the Dunlop Driver of the Day.
On Saturday night Sweeny’s car was literally in pieces on the workshop floor with the team working all night searching for a mechanical gremlin which had resurfaced and which had kept him out of even being able to take to the track at all in Qualifying and Race 1 on Saturday.
Bailey Sweeny’s Toyota 86 car at Townsville.
But on Sunday morning the sun finally shone in Townsville for the Batemans Bay driver.
With the car back together, Sweeny had a determination to show the country what he could do if given the right equipment.
Sweeny started Race 2 on Sunday morning with virtually no previous track time at the demanding street circuit, a track considered by many to be just as hard in commitment as either Bathurst or the Albert Park Grand Prix circuit.
And in a field which contained V8 Supercar drivers and long time established Australian driving talent.
In a stunning performance, he came from literally the back of the field - storming through and making up an extraordinary 16 positions from the 31 car field, to finish 15th.
All the more remarkable, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 series is a ‘one make category’, which means all competitors must use the same engine and machinery.
An even better result was to follow.
With the last chance of the weekend to shine upon him, he produced another stunning drive in Race 3 to gain another 6 places, eventually taking his first Top 10 result in the national championship - finishing 9th overall in the 31 car field.
The character, persistence and never give up attitude earned Sweeny the Dunlop Driver of the Day award and the sponsor award to go with it.
Sweeny also banked his best amount of points ever in the championship and now heads to the next round at Sydney Motorsport Park on 22nd of August with a renewed confidence, desire and determination to finish out the year strongly.