• by APS MEDIA
• March 04, 2020

Consistent Form Key for Title Charge

Jason Makris has been at the front of the field ever since the series began, and he comfortably took out the 2018 title, while also managing to fight for round wins during the weekends he competed in last year.

Now, with 2018 champion locked in for every round this year, he has hopes of replicating his title-winning season which saw him win two rounds and four races.

But for Makris, the most recent series title winner in the field, there is no special formula to winning a title as it all comes down to the basics.

“It’s all about consistency at the end of the day. If you are consistent throughout the year and your team ensures the car is running smoothly, there is no reason you can’t be near the top,” Makris said.

“As for the driving, you need to be aggressive. You need to be able to hold yourself mentally and be confident in racing conditions. If you have an opportunity throughout a race, you need to take it.

“Having a good result on the first weekend is key because it lines everything up. With that said, each race is important regardless of whether it’s the first race of the year or the last.

“This year will be the first time I actually get to defend my title properly, so the challenge is definitely on and I am really looking forward to it.”

For the 2020 season opener at Sydney Motorsport Park, there will be no shortage of strong drivers trying to stop Makris, with a number of a series champions lining up.

From 2017 champion Mark Laucke to multiple Radical Australia Cup champion Peter Paddon, JP Drake and Glen Stallbaum, there will be a lot of drivers in the hunt for the outright Australian Prototype Series title.

Despite the usual suspects being in the field, Makris believes there will be some dark horses to watch out for, especially during the first round of the year.

“At the end of the day, there is a lot of talent in the field and they are all competitive and there to win,” Makris added.

“Mark Laucke and JP Drake will definitely be up the top once again, as will Chris Perini and Peter Paddon in the Radicals. I must say it’s fantastic to see Peter confirmed for the full year.

“Outside of those guys, we will see a huge leap from Phil Hughes as he had a change of car over the off-season. Going from a SR3 to SR8 is a significant different in performance, so expect to see improvement from him.

“Paul Trengove will also be tough this year, especially since he has the ability and a light car. Definitely one to watch out for as he was impressive in the rounds he ran last year.”

The Australian Prototype Series’ 2020 season begins at the Production Cars Nationals with the series to have three practice sessions on Friday, qualifying and one race on Saturday and the final race of the weekend on Sunday.

The Production Cars Nationals takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park on 6-8 March.

All races will be live streamed on Saturday and Sunday.