Photo Credit: Colson Photography
Jackson Rice has finished his 2024 season campaign off on a high in Adelaide, taking out third overall for the round as well as ‘Rookie of the Round’ and ‘MPI Wheelman of the year’.
The season finale provided plenty of action, with the track notorious for causing crashes living up to its name, with the first red flag called in practice 2. Qualifying on Friday was also shortened due to a red flag and multiple incidents. Rice was able to steer clear from the drama though and continued to fight through the front of the pack, qualifying 6th ahead of the first race.
Carnage continued into Friday’s Race 1, and Rice was able to again survive and crossed the line in an impressive fourth.
“I’m really pleased with how we ended the season,” said Rice.
“We had a fast car, although we did struggle throughout the weekend with an engine issue. We just had to keep changing it. A big thanks to the crew at Dream Racing Australia for all their efforts.
“It was really cool to be up there with the fast and experienced guys like Todd Hazelwood and James Moffat. To be properly rubbing shoulders with them and have genuine pace was really cool.
“We qualified P6 ahead of race 1. I felt like we had a little more pace in the bag, but unfortunately the red flag capped it.
“Race 1 was lots of fun. I managed to pick up a few spots and ended the race in fourth, however a post round penalty moved me up into P3 – which was really cool.”
Saturday’s race was declared a non-event, after just 5-laps into the session a mammoth accident occurred with Tim Brooks engine letting go, dropping fluid onto the track resulting in eight cars slipping through and firing into the fence.
Rice was again lucky to make it through unscathed.
“The second race, I was sitting about P5 and was about 5 or 6 laps in and they ended up having to declare the race a non-event after a red flag. So, that was a bit of a bummer,” said Rice.
“We were able to have another crack at it though on Sunday and went out for Race 3, we started from P4. It is really hard to start the race from the inside line, that tight line where the tyre barrier is. A lot of guys will generally drive you down low. So, it was good to have been able to maintain position.
“I ended up 5th, which was really cool. It was lots of fun.
“The crew at Dream Racing Australia did a mega job in giving me an awesome car – so a big thank you to the whole team for their efforts.
“In the end we ended up P3 for the round on points which was super cool.
“There was no hiding how full on the Adelaide Parklands circuit is. There was plenty of action. So, it was really great that we were able to get the job done and stay out of all the hustle and bustle.
“I was also awarded ‘Rookie of the Round’ and ‘MPI Wheelman of the Year’, which is for the most cars passed for the year. So, that was an incredible achievement, I’m super stoked.
“A massive thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout the year. It’s been a huge year and I couldn’t have done it without you all, so thank you.
“I wish all of my sponsors and supporters a wonderful Christmas, have a wonderful break and I look forward to seeing you for a bigger and better 2025!”
Stay tuned for Jackson’s racing updates and his movements for the 2025 season.
Results
Thursday 14th November
Practice 1 – 11th
Friday 15th November
Practice 2 – 7th
Qualifying – 6th
Race 1 – 3rd
Saturday 16th November
Race 2 – 5th
Sunday 17th November
Race 3 – 5th