Throwback V8: Connor Thunder becomes first driver to trail the field in a V8 race at Barbagallo; becomes due to not complete a lap in series history

Connor Thunder picked up the 1st last place finish of his SCRL V8 Supercar Series career in the Chill Perth 360 at the Barbagallo Raceway when his #55 Autobarn Toyota suffered clutch problems without completing any of the 12 laps.

The finish came in his 1st career start.

At this point in his career, Connor was still looking to make a name for himself in the SCRL, having competed in several series, but had yet to truly make a name for himself, or pick up that first career win. Connor was one of forty drivers to signup to compete in the 15 race schedule to see who would be the first ever champion.

On race day, Thunder was to rolled off starting in the final spot, but just after the command was given to start the engines, Thunder's car remained in the pit stall while the crew looked under the hood and inside the car to see what the problem was as the green flag waved. As Thunder's crew looked to see what the problem was, it didn't take long for chaos to break out as the #52 Fujitsu Ford of Kyle Mests's engine blew up while running in 39th and was forced to travel the entire length of the track back to pit road, but entering Turn 7, Mests was turned and spun out by the #20 Orrcon Ford of Anthony Lopez while going for the lead.

Mests day was done, but during the time it took to tow Mests car back to the garage, Thunder's car had already been retired, having not even been given a chance to race.

The remaining Bottom Five finished on the same lap as the race leaders: 38th was the #4 Jeldwen Ford of Carter Friesen, 37th was the #7 Autobarn Toyota of Jason Larker and 36th was the #44 Boomerang Toyota of Kevin McHugh.

Connor wouldn't have to wait for long before he found success in the SCRL. Joining the SCRL Lucas Oil ARCA Racing Series, Connor picked up his first career win at Pocono, before winning the season finale at Kansas. Those two wins are the only of his career. Connor most recently came back to compete in the SCRL Sun Energy Whelen Euro Elite 2 division, finishing 4th in his first race back at Yas Marina Circuit.

SCRLASTCAR STATISTICS
*This is the first time the #55 has finished last in a V8 Supercar Series as well at Barbagallo.

THE BOTTOM FIVE
40) #55-Connor Thunder / 0 laps / clutch
39) #52-Kyle Mests / 1 laps / crash
38) #4-Carter Friesen / 12 laps / running
37) #7-Jason Larker / 12 laps / running
36) #44-Kevin McHugh / 12 laps / running