Australian Industrial Supplies driver, David "Sideways" Sieders claimed Race 3 of the 2011 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series - protected by Armor All, moved further forward on the leader board today (Saturday, 19th March) and will start on pole for tomorrow's final race of the round at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.
This was Sieders second dominant win for the weekend, after securing Race 1 on Thursday night. The New South Welshman closed out VIP Petfood's Ryal Harris into Turn 1 and will be looking to stake claim on the first round of the Series. "That was a jet of a start, so I'm pretty happy with that one. I've had two good starts and one bad. If I can get out in front hopefully the will be job done, however if Ryal can get me off the line I'm sure it will be a pretty tight tussle, it looks like he's getting quicker off the line every time. He said to me he has been learning a bit so hopefully I haven't taught him too much," said Sieders
"To stand on podium tomorrow would be an added bonus. It's all about having fun in motorsport and if you're not having fun, you shouldn't do it," explained the 2010 V8 Ute Rookie of the Year. Harris was happy with his result and will be looking to impress for tomorrow's final race. "It would mean so much to make podium on my debut round in a Ford. I'm really enjoying driving the Ford and I'm learning more and more each time I jump in the car. All I can say is that Dave should watch out 'cause I'm here to take home a win," said Harris.
Ice Break Racing's Chris Pither was the first Holden across the line in third place and will start on the second row tomorrow alongside local driver Craig Dontas who secured fourth in Race 3 and he will be looking for a podium place in his Thirsty Camel Holden VE. Dorito's/ Revolution Roofing driver and reigning champ Grant Johnson drove well to protect his starting position in fifth along with Kim "The Assassin" Jane who came home sixth. Tinkler Motorsport driver, Jeremy Gray did well to narrowly miss an incident at Turn 1 on the first lap and drove home to claim seventh for the race and is currently in fifth position on the overall Round leader-board and will start tomorrow's race on the third row alongside Jesus Racing's Andrew Fisher who finished the race in 8th.
Rookie driver, Ryan Hansford is having a strong round, claiming 9th in the Truckline Ford with Bundaberg Racing's Cameron McConville hot on his heels to round out the top ten. Race 2 winner Gary Carson locked horns with local Gary "Chuckie" Baxter coming into Turn 9 which also caught out Coopers Racing's Jack Elsegood, who had no-where to go. The Sage Automation/Roof Seal backed driver was forced to contend with 22nd overall and Elsegood 17th. Carson was also caught up in an incident with Ben Dunn and Ben Kavich on lap 4 at turn 9. Iseek Racing's Jason Gomersall was unfortunate to end up in the back of the two.
The safety car was deployed for 3 laps and although Carson was disappointed with the day, he is still positive. "I was taking my line, I really don't' know what happened I just got cleaned up. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was stuck and unfortunately ended my race."
"I was having a great weekend but look, motorsport is the cruellest sport in the world. We had damage to 90% of the car. All the front steering is broken and the lower control arm however the guys are working on it now and we'll be ready for action tomorrow, so look out!" said Carson. Carson was issued an infringement notice from his first run-in and lost 10 championship points and Kavich issued with the same penalty for tapping Dunn on lap three. Graham Edwards had car to car contact with Kosi Kalaitzidis early in the race and was issued with a 10 point championship penalty.
Rookie Sean Carter also had an incident in his No Limit Energy Holden, running into the back of Noel Edge coming into the chicane at Turn 1 forcing him to retire early. Sieders set the fastest lap on his run to the flag, with a new lap record of 1.37.19, breaking the previous record held by Chris Pither by almost 1 second.
Race 4, the final race for Round 1 of the 2011 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series - protected by Armor All will kick off at 1:10pm and will be televised live within the 1pm (AEDST) V8 Supercars RaceDay Xtra program on Network Seven.
