CALLUM HEDGE scored pole, lost three spots with a penalty but rebounded perfectly to claim the opening race in a busy day for the young Kiwi, as the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship launched into Round 4 at The Bend.

Meanwhile, a fairy tale story unfolded behind as The Bend’s own Sam Shahin jumped from second on the SP Tools Pro-Am grid to lead Adrian Flack the whole way to claim the race victory in his 100th Porsche Carrera Cup race.

The 11-lap opener at The Bend was a straightforward affair that was highlighted by a blinding opening lap from Hedge, who was disappointed after a post-qualifying penalty relegated him from pole to fourth on the grid.

The Team Porsche New Zealand driver wasted little time racing to the front, however, thanks to a flying start and a series of decisive moves that saw him leap from fourth to first in the first four corners.

Hedge, who sits second in the championship, then edged away from closest rival Jackson Walls to claim his first Equity-One Professional class race win of the season, the third of his career and first since the Gold Coast last year.

He was also the fifth different driver to claim a race win this season. Crucially, it also pulled more championship points out of leader Jackson Walls, who shaded the young Kiwi home in second.

Walls’ set the quickest lap on his way to second position having jumped pole man Dylan O’Keeffe on the opening lap.

O’Keeffe finished third for his best result of the season so far and his first top five finish of the year.

Christian Pancione matched his career-best result with fourth in the Supercheap Auto car from McElrea Racing, while Simon Fallon was a solid fifth in his Bob Jane T-Marts Sonic entry.

The top-10 was completed by Bayley Hall – in his best result of the year – Dale Wood, Max Vidau, Nick McBride and Garth Tander in his first solo Carrera Cup start.

Luke King continued his forward march to 11th position while Fabian Coulthard raced his way to 12th position, having earlier qualified only 17th.

Tough days for key contenders included a rough race for Townsville round winner Alex Davison, who survived a wild ride off the road at Turn 8 to limp home in 22nd.

The SP Tools Pro-Am fight was also decided on the first lap as Shahin jumped class polesitter Flack.

He pulled away in the early laps before a return of serve from the latter saw he – and the chasing Dean Cook – close as the race unfolded.

The pair battled for the race lead in the closing laps though Shahin was able to hold on to win and extend his championship lead in his milestone 100th Carrera Cup race.

Flack was second and Cook third – mirroring the effort from his Equity-One Professional class teammate Dylan O’Keeffe.

Rodney Jane and Matt Belford completed the top five in class in race one.

Round 4 of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship continues tomorrow with two races, including the next instalment in the Enduro Cup series on Sunday morning,

Race 2 commences at 10:40am local time with the second following at 2:35pm.