ROUND 1 RACE WRAP - THE BEND MOTORSPORT PARK

The Australian Prototype Series officially launched its 2026 season at The Bend Motorsport Park today, marking the first round under the category’s new Bracket Racing Balance of Performance (BoP) system. The updated format sees drivers nominate into one of three classes AP1, AP2 or AP3, with competitors required to stay within their nominated performance window. The change, combined with the debut of the new Hoosier Tyres added an extra layer of strategy as teams worked through pressures and setup in real race conditions for the first time.

STEER DELIVERS UNDER PRESSURE

Aaron Steer (Jam Motorsport) delivered an impressive performance both on and off the track at Round 1 in South Australia, taking out the AP1 category for the season opener. Typically racing alongside his customers, Steer found himself balancing driving duties with team responsibilities after mechanical issues sidelined two Jam Motorsport entries.

"We’re running five cars, and I honestly didn't think I had a chance driving the Wolf Thunder in APS 1... let alone winning it!" Steer said.

Only nominating into AP1 at the last moment, Steer's two race wins across the event, gave him enough points to take out Round 1.

TIM COOK - AP2 WINNER

Tim Cook showed strong pace in his Nova Proto, a French built Prototype, before a costly mistake in Race 1, as he chased the Wolf Tornado of Phil Andrawos. A strong recover in Race 2 to finish second behind Mark Laucke (Wolf Tornado) and a third position in Race 3, saw Tim take out the round in AP2.

SAM MILTON WINS AP3

Sam Milton experienced significant tyre degradation across the weekend.

"The race started well, but we picked up understeer as the tyres went off after a few laps each race." Notwithstanding the grip struggles, Milton was able to steer his Wolf GB 08 home to victory in the AP3 class.