Thanks to the full support of his sponsor Roaring Lion, V8 Ute driver Craig Dontas who was caught up in the major collision at the Clipsal 500 last weekend is already planning his return to the track for Round Two of the Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series at Eastern Creek next weekend, March 7 – 9.

“I was just so lucky to walk away unscathed but as horrible as the incident was I must admit, sitting inside was probably the best part because I may have experienced the full force of it but I didn’t have to see the full force of it” said the South Australian driver. “The car is a complete write off, but thankfully Justin (Van Twest) has presented his car for me to use at Eastern Creek. It’s a hard decision for him to make but its one which is more for the benefit of the team and for our sponsors than anything. He will still be there, just in case I feel a bit sore, he can jump in the car.” “I am not phased about the crash anymore, the biggest thing I was worried about was Matt and the state he was in, now knowing that he is going to be ok is a massive relief and I can now comfortably jump back into a race car.” “On a team level Big Gun Racing want me to get behind the wheel, as a good positive thing and after something that big, it’s important to get back on the horse” explained Dontas “The team will be a bit more nervous I think than I will but the whole thing about eastern creek is to circulate, not to try and be a hero, I will go out there and do the best I can, but I am not going to push it” Gold Coaster Matt Kingsley who was heavily caught up in the collision at the Clipsal 500 last weekend is showing progress and improvement with every day he is in the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Yesterday, he had further MRI and EEG scans (both extensive tests to the brain) however the 23 year old has been cleared of any serious injury.  Doctors have assured that his current symptoms are concussion related and will subside in the near future. “The doctors of the brain rehabilitation department in Adelaide will converse with the rehabilitation department on the Gold Coast to see if we can hopefully take Matt home, it is just a waiting game now” explained Matt’s Mother Sandra “We have been on tender hooks with worry since the accident, but this is certainly the good news we have been waiting for.” As a good will gesture, V8 Ute competitor  Wayne Lamont graciously offered his Holden to Kingsley who is already keen to get back out and race, however, Matt won’t be fit enough to return to the circuit until Round Three in Barbagallo. Jaimie Dyer, Marketing and Logistics Manager of Wollongong Performance Racing is hopeful Colin Corkery’s Ute can be fixed in time for Eastern Creek. “We are trying everything in our power to get it out and I’m pretty sure we will have it there but we needed a new motor, gearbox and have had to repair the diff” explained Dyer “We pretty much needed to replace everything on the front end including bumper, radiator support, radiator, guards, lights - you name we've bought it.” The Ford BF Falcon XR8 is currently at the panel shop with an estimated repair cost of about $30,000. Charlie Kovacs of South Australia was also caught up in the incident and is hoping his Holden can be mended in time “The boys are working day and night on getting it ready so I have every intention of making it to the creek” Former NRL Roosters Player Jack Elsegood believes his car will be repaired in time but with so much damage to mend there is the potential he might not  be able to race at his home town advantage Sydney circuit. Matt Lockwood of Palmerston North is planning to test the V8 Ute waters for one round at Eastern Creek before he takes up a place in the inaugural NZ V8 Ute Racing Series this year. Lockwood will be steering the old Holden VU of current Series driver Steve Hodges who is running a new VE this year.   2007 Reigning Series Champion Grant Johnson continued his success into 2008 by winning Round One and cementing his place at the top of the Overall Series Standings on 61 points. Layton Crambrook of Lamont Constructions Racing is close by behind in second overall with 59 points whilst Gary MacDonald of Kanga Loaders Racing rounds out the top three on 57 points.

The one hour telecast of Round Two at Eastern Creek will be aired on the Seven Network on March 22 from 1:30 to 2:30pm.