IPRA NSW 2026 Kicks Off at Sydney Motorsport Park

It's the start of a new season and with it comes a new set of rules for the Improved Production Racing Association (IPRA). The first and perhaps the most important change is the move a Bridgestone RE71RS control tyre.

Another rule is the weight reduction for the naturally aspirated cars. This rule directly affects the JL Racing BMW which can now shed 70kg, making it lighter, more nimble and, hopefully, faster.

The car now also has a Hollinger H-pattern dogbox with a new clutch and flywheel plus a new rear brake setup.

Qualifying

The car performed well and Joseph managed a PB of 1:41.4 placing the JL Racing BMW in the 3rd spot on the grid for Race 1.

Race 1

"This was my first race start with the new gearbox and clutch and it was a shocker! I nearly stalled the car..." Joseph Lenthall

After this rather uninspiring start Joseph quickly recovered, moving into the 2nd spot and fighting a race-long battle with Ben Algie. The win came in the last lap with Joseph taking advantage of Ben's braking error and passing him on the way to his first victory of the season.

Danny Castro placed 1st in the Under 2L Class with Charlie Viola taking the runner-up spot.

Race 2

After a brilliant performance in Race 1, things took a downturn in Race 2 for the JL Racing team.

"I had a great start and drag raced Ben Algie to Turn 1 after which the two of us pulled away from the rest of the field."

Unfortunately at the start of the second lap, the power steering belt broke off, taking out some wiring and a sensor and causing the car to overheat. Joseph quickly pulled off the track to prevent any major engine damage, which resulted in a mechanical DNF for the team in Race 2.

Ben Algie once again took the win in the Over 2L Class followed by Trevor Spiteri in second and Dan Ridley in third.

Danny Castro continued his winning streak in Under 2L with Charlie Viola close behind him and Graham Bohm in third.

Race 3

The team scrambled to replace the broken belt and fix the affected wiring and sensors to have the car ready for Race 3. Due to a DNF in the previous race, Joseph started from the back of the field in the 23rd spot. What followed was an amazing push through the field that saw Joseph move from the 23rd to 9th within the first two laps and into the 3rd position by the 5th lap.

Joseph battled with Trev Spiteri and Ben Algie for the next few laps, getting the fastest lap of the race in the process. He crossed the line in the 3rd position, but moved into 2nd after Ben Algie was penalised for jumping the start.

In the Under 2L Class, Danny Castro made it three out of three with Charlie Viola snapping at his heels. Unfortunately Charlie broke a suspension component and had to retire without finishing the race. This put Graham Bohm in the second spot and Matt Wildridge in third.

"All in all it was a great weekend. The weather was great, the track was great and the car performed well. We're looking forward to the next round in mid May."