A Malaysian adventure for Bathurst brothers Blake and Kyle Aubin was within a matter of laps from resulting in a podium result.
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The duo, along with team manager Jesper Tan, were engaged in a battle for third place overall during Saturday’s Sepang 1000km when gearbox issues cruelly ended their race on lap 170.
The Aubin Brothers Racing pair, driving for privateer outfit N1 Racing, had guided their Proton Satria Neo from 10th on the grid into the top five before the disaster struck.
It was a disappointing way to end what had been an encouraging week, which started with encouraging practice and qualifying times.
“It was still amazing to make it that far and get up to where we were,” Blake Aubin said.
“We learnt so much over there. The way they race and do everything is so much more different compared to back home. There’s a lot more contact and impatient racing going on.
“The car was extremely light and a big difference to our cars is that they’re allowed to make a lot more modifications. It’s a bit slower on the straights compared to our the car at home but has plenty of mid-corner speed.
“Sepang was an awesome track with lots of flow and long corners. It was really awesome to be out there on the same track that they use for Formula 1.
“We were racing against factory teams, like the Honda Malaysia Racing Team, and it’s great being able to mix it with big teams like that.
“We put our names out there and showed what we can do so hopefully we can get back for another go next year.”
Aubin said the conditions only added to the intensity of the event.
“We were out there doing 75 minute stints and the temperature was 38 degrees with 92 per cent humidity,” he said.
“I’ve had soccer matches and heavy workouts before but it was nothing compared to how demanding it was driving in this race.
“After his first stint Kyle was out the back vomiting back but he recovered and kept on going.”
There’s little time to rest for the Bathurst brothers as they look to end their Australian Production Cars on a high note.
This week they jump back into the Renault Clio which took them to Class D victory in the Phillip Island round.
Aubin isn’t fazed about the quick turnaround.
“It’s going to be nice to get back into that car,” he said.
“I haven’t had much of a break from racing, so I feel like I’ve got my eye in and that might help us.”
The final round of the 2017 APC series will be held across at Wakefield Park Raceway this weekend.
