Erebus Academy and Toyota 86 drivers Bailey Sweeny and Harrison Gray recorded personal bests at Sydney Motorsport Park last weekend as racing resumed after a three month hiatus.

Sweeny qualified with a career best of third, translating it into his first podium on Saturday before following it up with another on Sunday.

Meanwhile Gray achieved his season best qualifying of fifth, before scoring top five finishes in both races.

After a season that has been plagued with mechanical issues and calendar uncertainty, Sweeny was thrilled to get back on track.

“It was great to get a full weekend in and not have any car dramas between practice and the final race,” he said. 

“My confidence levels are pretty high after this weekend so now we’ve just got to try and iron out any mistakes and hopefully get some more good results.

“To get my first podium was definitely an awesome feeling, but the second podium in race three was even better, especially after having to work a bit harder for it.”

Race three was a particular standout for the Academy drivers with Sweeny and Gray battling each other for third right up until the final lap.

The race also saw Sweeny move up five positions from eighth after receiving a grid penalty following a red-flag incident in the previous race.

For Gray, plenty of preparation and a home track advantage saw his confidence at an all time high as he headed into the weekend.

“The highlight of my weekend was definitely the final race. It was great that both of us Academy drivers could battle it out and be at the front of the field,” Gray said. 

“Heading into the event, I felt more prepared and faster than ever. It was probably the best and most comfortable I’ve ever felt in a race car.

“Over the break, I’ve been doing a lot of visual learning so I’ve been watching a lot of videos from the T86 series and doing heaps of online racing which has definitely helped my performance.”

Unfortunately due to border restrictions between NSW and their home states, Jobe Stewart and Holly Espray were not in attendance.

Sweeny and Gray will be joined by Espray as the Academy juniors set their sights on their next event at Sydney Motorsport Park, November 19-21.