Former NSW Rugby Union Waratah, Ben Dunn, will celebrate his 100th Racestart when he steps behind the wheel of the Red Ass Mexican Food Ford FG forRace 1, Round 2 of the 2012 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series - protected byArmor All, Saturday, 30th March.
Dunn debuted at Symmon's Plains in 2005, and had his first full year in a V8Ute in 2006. Over the years, the Sydney based businessman has shared thedrive with father Colin, and last year stepped back into the Ute full timeand is really looking forward to celebrating this milestone."Being only my third full year in the Series in 2012, I am quite surprisedhow quickly the 100 races have come around. I really love the Utes and thecharacters that are involved, the series has stepped up in quality and paceconsiderably in the past two seasons and I am really enjoying the challenge,but unfortunately that elusive podium is now looking harder to achieve,"said Dunn.
He has had some memorable experiences over the years, including debuting theFord FG in the 2009 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour Race, driving with his dadColin in the Ten Years of Legends Race in Adelaide, joining the V8 Ute Boardin 2009, as the Ford shareholders representative, and also has two race winsincluding Race 2 at Bathurst in 2010.
"There is no greater feeling than winning a race at Bathurst. It's such alegendary place and I'm so happy to tick that off the bucket list but I'mstill looking for a podium win," said Dunn.
Sieder's Racing teammate Andrew Fisher celebrated his 100th race last yearin Townsville and is really happy for Dunn.
"I hope he enjoys it. It's a great milestone to get to and he's a greatcompetitor. He did so much in his Rugby Union career and to come to a newsport and do so well is a great achievement. I wish him the best of luck onthe weekend I have no doubt he'll race well," said Fisher.
David Sieders is also hoping to drive alongside Dunn in one of the fourSieder's Racing prepared utes in Tasmania, after dislocating his kneeearlier this week whilst picking up his son's toys.
"It's one of those freakish things - I slipped on some water and twisted myknee tidying up some toys and couldn't really move it. I will have an MRIscan and see the surgeon on Monday. At this stage its 50:50, depending onwhat the MRI shows, but I'm hoping it'll be right to be on the grid in a fewweeks time," said Sieders.
The Sieders team will have even more support in Tasmania where they willonce again be joined by Hobart based Joshua Burdon, who will steer theSieders Racing Ford BF on his home track in a few weeks time starting withpractice on Friday, 29th March.
See below full schedule for Symmons Plains: Friday, 29th March Practice 1 9:40amFriday, 29th March Practice 2 11:20amFriday, 29th March Qualifying 3:10pmSaturday, 30th March Race 1 11:30amSaturday, 30th March Race 2 2:35pmSunday, 1 April Race 3 11:00amSunday, 1 April Race 4 2:05pmThe 2012 Series consists of 25 races over eight rounds raced throughoutAustralia covering six states and one territory and is televised nationallythrough-out Australia on Network Seven and 7 Mate and internationallythrough Motors TV Europe, TV3 New Zealand and SPEED online in the USA.To get up to date with the 2012 V8 Ute Season tune in to Network SevenSaturday, 24th March at 12:30pm to catch all of the action from Round 1.
