Victorian Tim Macrow has come from third position in the standings and fourth on the grid for race two to win the 2007 Kumho Tyres Australian Formula 3 Championship and the 51st Australian Drivers Championship for the CAMS Gold Star today at Oran Park.

Although the full championship results will remain provisional due to the investigation of an incident in Friday Practice – with a hearing to be held at a later date – Macrow won today’s second race after leaping from the second row of the grid and leading the 15-lap duration.

Macrow finished the championship with 208 points, finishing two ahead of Leanne Tander (206) and seven ahead of Charlie Hollings (199).

Tander finished today’s second race two, whilst Hollings finished fourth after Barton Mawer made an aggressive move on the start to force him behind the Team BRM entry.

Macrow led lights-to-flag in race two, setting fastest lap and eventually leading Tander to the flag by 2.5 seconds.

The championship was a relief for Macrow who has often finished in the runner-up position in the championships he has contested.

In 2004 he finished second by just one point in the Australian Formula Ford Championship before finishing second in Formula 3 last year, behind dominating champion Ben Clucas.

His win in the Australian Drivers Championship also means he now holds an award that his dad Peter narrowly missed out on in the 1980s after he too finished second.

Macrow completes an amazing few seasons for his family after elder brother Adam won the Fujitsu V8 Supercar series last year.

In 46 Formula 3 championship race starts Macrow amassed a record that includes 7 wins and 25 podium finishes.

After an emotional celebration with his team and family, 23-year-old Macrow said that he saved his very best Formula 3 race for last.

”That was my best ever race,” he said.

”I simply can’t believe it. I didn’t qualify well for race two and started fourth so to win the race and get the championship from there is amazing.

”I nailed the start, it was the best ever start I have made in anything. The start was crucial because whoever won the first lap was probably going to win the race.

”This team has done an amazing job. I have to thank Bevan (Carrick, car owner) and Gary (Sturdy, mechanic / engineer) and all of my guys for their work. They made some inspired changes to the car between races one and two and it was just perfect.”

The result means Macrow becomes the 51st driver to be called Australian Drivers Champion and will receive the CAMS Gold Star at the Australian Motorsport Awards in December.

He said that the result has special meaning for both his family and himself.

”To be able to win the Gold Star after Dad finished second so many years ago is special,” he enthused.

”It means a lot. It’s a major award and to win it like this is amazing. We are a small team. Everyone is a volunteer and puts in so much so the result is just fantastic.”

Tim singled out his championship rivals for praise after a long and competitive 16-race championship.

”This weekend was great. Leanne and Charlie fought hard and it just happened that it was just us that came out on top – but they both did great jobs,” he said.

”It’s been a long and hard championship and to have it come down to a race between three drivers to win the Gold Star is a great result for everyone involved and the championship.”

For more information please visit www.formula3.com.au

PROVISIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
After Round 8 of 8

1. Tim Macrow (Cooltemp Racing / Scud Racing Dallara F304 - Spiess Opel) 208
2. Leanne Tander (Fleetcare TanderSport Dallara F304 - Spiess Opel) 206
3. Charlie Hollings (Astuti Motorsport Dallara F304 - Spiess Opel) 199
4. James Winslow (Team BRM Dallara F304 – Spiess Opel) 133
5. Marco Mapelli (Team BRM Dallara F304 – Spiess Opel) 114