Rookie duo Ryder Exton and Jayden Johnson have done it again, securing their second GT4 Australia victory of the season in a thrilling night race. Piloting the #114 McLaren Artura GT4, the young pairing proved they are not just making up the numbers in a field filled with experienced campaigners.
The race, held under the floodlights, delivered a tense battle from the outset. Exton started from pole and immediately came under pressure from championship leader Jett Murray, who shared the #25 McLaren with Tom Hayman. The two McLarens traded places in the early corners, but Exton held firm to hand over to Johnson with a comfortable margin.
Their cause was aided by a 15-second success penalty applied to Murray and Hayman for their previous win, which meant Johnson emerged from the pits with a 12-second lead. Murray refused to give up, though, closing the gap in the closing stages by exploiting lapped traffic. But Johnson remained calm and consistent, taking the chequered flag.
Behind the McLaren duo, the fight for third was equally fierce. Aaron Cameron and Lochie Dalton in the #27 Ford Mustang benefited from a Balance of Performance adjustment that brought the Fords closer to the McLarens, finishing third ahead of Blake Purdie/Jobe Stewart (Audi R8 #48).
Blake Tracey and George Miedecke were the stars of the race, charging from 18th on the grid to fifth in their #35 Mustang. The race also saw its share of incidents and penalties, including a five-second penalty for Am Cup leader Nathan Callaghan due to a start procedure breach, which allowed Glenn Walker to take the class lead.
This victory tightens the championship battle. Although Murray still leads, the gap to his rivals is shrinking. With such consistency, Exton and Johnson are emerging as serious contenders for the title. The night race also showcased the competitive spirit of GT4 Australia, proving it can deliver edge-of-your-seat action.
For Exton and Johnson, this win is proof that speed, strategy, and composure under pressure can overcome experience. With two wins under their belts, they head to the next round with growing confidence. For Murray and Hayman, it's a reminder that defending the crown will be anything but easy against the hungry new generation.
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