After he was diagnosed with Pneumonia a little over a month ago, Holden Driver, Kurt “Gonzo” Wimmer is looking to make a come-back at Symmon’s Plains for Round three of the 2009 Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series.
Absent from motorsport for four years, Wimmer reappeared in 2008 and stepped behind the wheel of #18 Scott Jennings Ute at Queensland Raceway.
Following an impressive outing he was keen for more and purchased the Matt Kingsley Holden franchise mid year.
The former Holden Young Lion proved he was a force to be reckoned with and landed a spot on the podium at Bathurst and again at the final round of the 2008 Series at Oran Park.
He qualified fourth for Race 1 of the 2009 Yokohama V8 Ute Series at the Clipsal 500, however engine issues dropped him back to a 28th start for Race 2. He did manage to push through 16 spots to end Race 2 in 11th and made it into the top 10 for Race 3 with an 8th place finish.
Four days prior to the second round of the Series at Winton Raceway Victoria, Wimmer was diagnosed with Pneumonia and as a result had to withdraw from the meeting.
His father David said he was very disappointed he couldn’t go but his health just wasn’t up to scratch.
“Kurt was still keen to go to Winton but he was put into hospital on a drip for a while due to dehydration and that’s when I told him that it wouldn’t be beneficial for anyone,” said Wimmer.
Kurt is looking forward to driving again and his father is confident his health will be good enough by Symmons.
“I spoke to him on the phone recently and his voice and demeanour were a lot better. He’ll be alright, he’s just glad it wasn’t Swine Flu and he didn’t fancy spending 2 weeks wallowing around in the mud!”
“He is very excited about Symmons and he has never raced there before, so it will be a new experience for him,” said Wimmer.
V8 Ute Board member Denis Cribbin will miss the Tasmanian round as he heads off to Nurburgring in Germany to race a BMW M3 CSL on the most challenging track in the world known as “The Green Hell.” This will be the Bathurst veterans 11th appearance on the 26 kilometre track that boasts 172 different corners, sharing the drive with production car stalwart Alan Sheppard and two Englishman.
Although Cribbin won’t be around to give Wimmer any tips he wishes all the drivers the best for Round three 29 – 31 May at Symmons Plains Tasmania.
Race 1 at Symmons Plains will be televised LIVE on Network Seven Saturday, 30th May at 2pm (EST).
Don’t forget to tune into Network Seven this Saturday, 16th May at 1:30pm (EST) to watch all the highlights from Round two at Winton Raceway.
