Melbourne's Marcus "Mayhem" Zukanovic takes out the 2006 Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series
Melbourne driver Marcus Zukanovic was crowned 2006 Yokohama V8 Ute Series Winner at Sydney's Eastern Creek today after a superb performance which saw him consolidate enough points to take the crown from Sydney's Jack Elsegood.
The two Ford drivers when into the final race only 1 point apart Zukanovic only needing to finish the final race to wrap up the series, after three years of trying.
"It's been a sensational season and winning both the Commodore Cup Championship, and the V8 Ute series at the final round is just the best," Zukanovic explained.
"Jack gave me a hard run for the title, and I had to really work to keep him off. I made a stupid mistake stalling at the start of the final race but managed to fight back up the pack to finish the series with the title."
Former NRL star Jack Elsegood again put in a solid season for the Coopers Team finishing runner up for the second time since 2004.
"I'm happy with the season; the V8 Utes have been a real breeding ground for past talent and have given me the experience I need to move into the Fujitsu series next year."
Sandgroper Grant Johnson won both the first and final race of the round earning him the title of overall round winner and 3rd in the series.
"We finished the series the way we started, winning and on top. If it wasn't for medical issues at Wakefield Park and a broken diff at Queensland Raceway I would have had a shot at the title. Hopefully we can! come back and take it next year."
WPR driver Ashley Cooper wrapped up the "Rookie of the Year" title with a top 8 final round performance.
James Brock had his best result for the year, placing third overall for the final round of the 2006 Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series.
"Its nice to finish the year on a high" said Holden star James Brock "the result is a good incentive for 2007, with our chances looking promising in the forth coming season"
Sage Racing's Gary Baxter had a race two victory, holding the lead from pole position to chequered flag
"Its great to finish another tough year at the top end of the field in front of our sponsors this weekend, ready to attack 2007 with zest" said Sage Racing Team Manager Andrew Eglinton.
Damien White's chances of a podium finish ended with a drive through penalty for jumping the start in race! two.
The PGF V8 Super Club Drive of the Day went to Kanga Loader's Yanis Derums who picked up 9 places in race three after starting from the rear when his bonnet flew up on the warm up lap for race two, when he was due to start on pole.
Ian McAlister was awarded the Sonax Car Care best presented award for the presentation of the McAlister Ford BF Falcon XR8
Grant Johnson from Hi Tech Motorsport took out race one, followed closely by talented Holden driver James Brock and third place getter Kerry Wade in the OBH Ute.
The race two victory went to Sage Racing's Gary Baxter, with Ex-NASCAR champion Kim Jane in second and Ex-NRL Roosters star Jack Elsegood in third.
The third and final race for the final round of the series saw Holden take out the top three with Perth based Grant Johnson again in lead, Adelaide's Gary Baxter in second and Melbourne driver Jam! es Brock in third.
The series title went to Unior Tools driver Marcus Zukanovic, with Jack Elsegood in the Coopers Pale Ale green machine at a close second, and round winner Grant Johnson wrapping up as third overall in the 2006 Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series..
