Kovacs returns for V8 Ute cameo appearance in Darwin

After a three year sabbatical, V8 Ute legend Charlie “Handlebars” Kovacs, will wax up the mo’ and retake the reigns of his Holden VE to compete in Round 3 of the 2014 Australian V8 Ute Racing Series at Hidden Valley Raceway Darwin 20 – 22 June.

Kovac’s, widely known for his trademark ‘Handlebars” moustache, was one of the first nine drivers to compete in the Series back in 2001, he was the first driver to accomplish 200 race starts and is the longest standing V8 Ute shareholder.

The South Aussie last raced in Perth in 2011, and his last full year in the Series was in 2010. He kicked off the season racing with Son Charlie Jnr in the Ten Years of Legends event, which marks one of his most memorable experiences.

“It’s great to race alongside your son and work as a team, it was a lot of fun racing alongside Junior,” said Kovacs.

This will be Kovacs’ seventh appearance at Hidden Valley Raceway and he can’t wait to get back to the Top End.

“Darwin is a great place, great atmosphere, great people and the weather is great. I’ve always enjoyed racing there. It will be Interesting to see where the competition is at and how the Category has progressed over the years,” said Kovacs.

The Kovac’s name will also return for the Townsville round, although it might be Charlie Jnr that will drive at the North Queensland street event.

“I’ve got the opportunity and time now to get back in my car and I’m looking forward to the experience. Either myself or Jnr (Charlie Kovacs) will race the car at Townsville,” said Kovacs.

Kovacs Junior has raced the family Ute a few times over the years, including recently at the 2014 Clipsal 500.

Kovacs, owner of Adelaide based Red Express Deliveries, only missed a total of 3 rounds in his 11 seasons of racing, and holds a Guinness World Record for towing a caravan at over 200 kph. His major achievement was winning the inaugural 2006 Trans-Tasman V8 Ute Challenge at Manfeild in New Zealand with co-driver Simon Wills, against a hot field of New Zealand and Australian competitors.

Kovacs will welcome the two practice sessions scheduled on the Friday in Darwin following by Qualifying and 3 races, with Race 1 and Race 3 televised live on the Seven Network.

See below full V8 Ute Racing Schedule for the Darwin Round:Friday, 20th June Practice 1 9:35amFriday, 20th June Practice 2 1:50pmSaturday, 21st June Qualifying 10:25amSaturday, 21st June Race 1 3:20pmSunday, 22nd June Race 2 11:00amSunday, 22nd June Race 3 1:15pm


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