‘This one is for you’ says Lyons as he triumphs in Australia

HILLSBOROUGH racer Richard Lyons has dedicated his superb win at the Armor All Gold Coast 600 at Surfers Paradise, Australia last weekend to his close friend Dan Wheldon, who was tragically killed at the Indycar 500 final at the Las Vegas Speedway recently.

In a twist of fate, Lyons was drafted into the race to partner Mark Winterbottom in Ford Performance Racing’s V8 after regular co-driver Will Power was injured in the accident which killed Wheldon.

Following the race win on Sunday - Ford’s first of the 2011 V8 Supercar season - local man Lyons dedicated the win to 33-year-old Wheldon, saying, “To my friend Dan Wheldon who passed away, I’ve done this one for you mate.”

Lyons and Winterbottom took third place on Saturday, before going even better on Sunday to claim the race win.

The pair took the chequered flag first in the 102-lap race, combining to defeat 54 other drivers around the concrete jungle that is the Surfers Paradise street circuit.

The win moves ‘Frosty’ into fourth in the championship and solidifies FPR’s second place in the Team Championship.

Winterbottom said: “Richard did a great job – he was clean and I hopped in and had a great car all race. It is probably one of the most special wins we’ve had as a team and we have bounced back strongly so it is very sweet.”

Lyons added: “It is hard to believe that my week has turned out how it has. To come and be able to work with a team like FPR, which is such an incredible outfit, is just an honour. The guys have had a few hard races this year but I could see from the moment I arrived that they were pushing so hard and wanted the win so much so to be a part of it is amazing. I’ve come away with two podiums and it is great to be part of it so I look forward to enjoying the moment with the team. I’d love the chance to come back and do it again so I hope this isn’t the last time I’m here in FPR overalls.”

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