Ute DebutRound Six of the Yokohama V8 Utes Racing Series began today at Winton Racetrack with overcast, windy and wet conditions for the first appearance of the V8 Utes at the track in over 5 years.Turn nine proved a battled for most drivers with Ben Dunn’ Storage King Ford climbing out of a lagoon in practice one, created by several down pours over the course of the day.
Lamont Constructions driver, Wayne Lamont also had a spin out coming out of the bend and his eight year old son, Joel had his shot in commentary to talk about his Dad’s turn and his family racing rituals.
“Dad had a bit of a spin. I always rub dad’s belly for good luck before he races,” said Joel.
“There really isn’t anything behind the rub, Joel just did it one day and now he has to do it every time I go out.
“I am fine after the spin-out I was just trying to puch it a lot harder but I am raring to go now and full of confidence,” said Wayne
Rookie Rhys Hanford son of the late Gregg Hansford starred in practise in he first V8 Ute appearance at the North Eastern Victorian track and sat inside the top 10 for most of the wet practise session.“I had a good practice session. I like the rain; I actually look forward to it. The car is really good and as the session dried out the cars went even faster. I came in and tried to get one more quick time. “If it rains or if it’s dry tomorrow I am happy either way. I want to have a good qualifier and hope to tick the box and start in the top 16,” said Hansford.
The weather man reports good weather for the rest of the weekend so drivers might have a bit of luck from the man upstairs.
Championship leader Layton Crambrook again set the pace in Practise session one, while George Miedecke topped practise session 2 only 6/100ths of a second faster than Gary Baxter’s SAGE Holden.
Crambrook spent most of yesterday in Benalla Hospital on a drip due to a bout of food poisoning and still feeling the affects today.
Charlie “No Mo” Kovacs Jr was also impressive in his rookie appearance driving the Nandi Kiss JFTA Holden. Charlie Snr and Charlie Jr ran nose to tail for a number of laps with the young gun impressing the team with his early pace. His drifting experience came in handy in the slippery conditions.
Qualifying will start at 9.25 Saturday morning, with Race 1 tomorrow afternoon, and 2 races on Sunday.
Make sure you watch Channel Seven, Saturday, 6th September 1:30pm – 2:30pm to catch all the highlights from round five.
Top Five Results from Practice One:Layton Crambrook Lamont Constructions Racing Ford 1:40.07George Miedecke Miedecke Motorsport Racing Ford 1:40.30Jack Elsegood Coopers Pale Ale Racing Ford 1:40.43Gary Baxter Sage Automation Racing Holden 1:40.57Andrew Fisher Jesus All About Life Racing Ford 1:40.80Top Five Results from Practice Two:George Miedecke Miedecke Motorsport Racing Ford 1:40.81Gary Baxter Sage Automation Racing Holden 1:40.87Colin Corkery WPR Racing Ford 1:41.39Kim Jane Bob Jane Racing Holden 1:41.64Grant Johnson Grove Fruit Juice Racing Holden 1:42.14
