Jones cops grid penalty for impeding Golding

Macauley Jones has been hit with grid penalty for the first race of the 2025 season for impeding James Golding.

The Brad Jones Racing driver qualified 23rd, one position ahead of PremiAir Racing rival Golding, following their close call in Q1 on Friday.

Off-sequence, Golding was on a flying lap and drove through traffic towards the end of his lap.

The Victorian ranged up behind Jones, who inadvertently swerved his #96 Pizza Hut Chevrolet into Golding's path as he warmed his tyres.

Golding baulked and was forced to take evasive action, nearly going onto the grass into the final sequence of corners as he avoided the BJR Camaro.

The incident proved costly for both drivers; Golding was unable to set another lap time and wound up 24th, with Jones only 23rd following his lap before the penalty was applied.

Jones will start 25th and last for Friday's Race 1, dropping behind Golding and Matt Stone Racing wildcard driver Cameron Crick.

The stewards report reads:

The Stewards, having received a report from the Deputy Race Director, having reviewed broadcast footage and having summoned the Driver and the Authorised Representatives of Cars 96 and 31 and having heard from the Driver and Authorised Representative of Car 96 (Car 31 not attending) determine the following:

Competitor: Car 96 Brad Jones Racing Pty Ltd

Car and Driver: Car 96 Macauley Jones

Date: 21 February 2025

Session: Qualifying for Race 1 – Part 1

Time: 1628hrs

Fact: Car 96 was driving slowly on the racing line at Turn 9

Rule: Schedule B2 Article 2.1.1 Careless Driving, departing from the Standard of a competent Driver

Decision: 3 Grid place penalty for Car 96 in Race 1

Reason: The Driver of Car 96 admitted to driving slowly on the racing line. He said that he was not warned by his Team of the approaching Car. He said that he saw the lights on the approaching Car in his mirrors but thought Car 31 was on the same preparation strategy as himself and had turned its lights on early. He acknowledged that he had impeded Car 31.

Having considered the matter extensively the Stewards found the breach established and impose the standard Penalty for impeding in Qualifying.

The Competitor is reminded that Decisions and Penalties that may be subject to Appeal are set out in B7.7.2 and the Rights to and process for an Appeal are set out in B5.