a Devil of a Circuit at Symmons PlainsRound three of the 2009 Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series heads to the fast and tricky Symmons Plains circuit near Launceston next weekend with all 32 drivers and cars set and ready to rock the locals with some awesome door banging action.
Holden Commodore VE drivers Nandi Kiss and Kim Jane and Ford Falcon BF XR8 driver, Robert Jarvis will bring with them the most experience having raced in the V8 Utes at Symmons Plains in 2004, 2005 and 2007.
Kiss brings plenty of confidence to the circuit having had one of his best rounds ever at Symmons in 2007 placing 11th overall, while Queenslander Justin Van Twest is also happy to be returning to the Apple Isle as his best finishing position so far in the Ute Racing Series was a third position in race two in 2007 and 9th for the round in the same year.
The Series title is a raging battle at the moment between Gary Baxter and Coopers Pale Ales Jack Elsegood with only one point separating them for first and second - they will be two drivers to keep an eye on, both displaying excellent driving at the 2007 round with the Sage Automation driver, claiming second and Elsegood third.
Reigning Champion Layton Crambrook is sighing a breath of relief to be in 10th position overall after he left the first round at the Clipsal 500 languishing back in 22nd place.
Crambrook’s confidence is sky high coming into next weekend after winning the round there in 2007.
“I love the Symmons Plains circuit. We are finally back on track and in the top ten of the series so if we keep pushing our Maxibon Racing car to podium finishes we will be looking good to retain the title, which is of course our ultimate goal,” said Crambrook.
Currently third in the Series, Lubrimaxx Racings George Miedecke is looking in good stead for Round Three after he placed a solid 7th overall at Symmons Plains in 2007.
Miedecke will feel right at home with his local family on track to cheer him on while he displays the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute on the side of his car.
The New South Welshmen has been involved previously with the institute through his production car activities, but will proudly wear the institute’s logo on his black Ford V8 Ute for the first time in Tassie.
In equal fourth in the series is Kim “The Assassin” Jane and Global Trading Schools Ryal Harris who will both be keen to push into the top three of the series , however Jane has the advantage having raced at the track three times, whilst Harris will take his first laps on the Tasmanian circuit next weekend.
Holden Driver, Kurt “Gonzo” Wimmer returns to the series after taking a break having been diagnosed pneumonia.
Warren Millet unfortunately won’t be returning for round three as he is still unwell, however his mechanic Matthew Holt will once again take the reins of the WakeUp Hostels VE Commodore
Holt is currently ahead of his owner by one place in the Series after his debut run at Winton netted him a strong points haul.
“I was happy with how I went at Winton but I haven’t raced at Symmons before and it isn’t my car so I just want a clean run and stay out of trouble,” said Holt.
The larger than life Millet is confident Holt will do a good job behind the wheel.
“Mattie’s a good driver, he has raced combined touring and is well organised, and I trust him,” Millet said.
A brilliant driving display from Gary Carson at Winton saw the South Coast NSW driver make up a huge amount of ground on “rookie of the year” rival, Paul Williams.
“Arson” Carson now sits only two places behind the impressive W.A rookie Williams and is looking forward to continuing the battle at round three.
Round three of the Series will commence with practice one, on Friday, 29th May at 9:10am followed by the rest of the schedule as below:
Friday, 29th May Practice 2 9:10am Saturday, 30th May Qualifying 9:25amSaturday, 30th May Race 1 1:10pmSunday, 31st May Race 2 10:05amSunday, 31st May Race 3 4:00pm
Race one will be televised LIVE on the Seven Network, Saturday, 30th May at 2:00pm (EST).
