Ford drivers dominated the combined practice times today for Round 4 of the2011 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series - protected by Armor All at the SucrogenTownsville 400, Friday, 8th July. However, the top 4 fastest Fords all usednew tyres in the second practice session to gain the time.
Series leader David Sieders took out both sessions and his time in practicetwo of 1:27.74 was only two/one hundredths off Jack Elsegood's lap record,which he set in 2009.
Elsegood was third in the combined session, just behind Sieders teammateAndrew Fisher in his Jesus backed Ford BF who is warming up for his 100thrace tomorrow.
In fourth position was Sieders Racing's Ben Dunn who just picked up a newpartnership with Mother Energy and is excited about his result.
"The car is fast; I actually had a Mother before I raced so maybe that'swhat did the trick. We've been working hard on the cars so hopefully it'sall paying off," said Dunn.
Queenslander Ryal Harris bought home his VIP Petfoods Ford BF in fifthposition leaving Grant Johnson the first Holden over the line in sixth.
Other Queenslanders Ryan Hansford (Truckline Racing) and Brad Patton (VIPPetfoods) did well to claim seventh and eighth respectively in their Fordsand Ice Break Racing's Chris Pither and Thirsty Camels Craig Dontas roundedout the top ten in their Holden's.
Auto One Wildcard driver Dean Canto is still working on set up and came in15th.
Gary "Go Time" Carson had his first run in Charlie Kovacs Holden today afterhis Ford was written off at the previous round in Darwin. He only completedfour laps in the second session and was down on track time."On the third lap I broke the shifter so that was a pain. We had a clearrun just before I did the shifter and did our two fastest times, so if I canget a good run on it tomorrow I'll be happy," said Carson.
Local driver, Graham Edwards, bought his #30 Holden VE home in 22nd and hadconfirmation that he is back in Rookie contention with full-time backingfrom Fightweb.com.au for the remainder of the year. Edwards will be chasingdown Rookie Rivals, Jake McNally and Ryan Hansford.
See below full schedule for Round 4 of the Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series-protected by Armor All:
Saturday, 9th July 9:00am QualifyingSaturday, 9th July 1:00pm Race 1Sunday, 10th July 9:10am Race 2Sunday, 10th July 2:00pm Race 3Race 1 and Race 2 will be televised as LIVE as. Race 1 on Saturday, 9th Julyfrom 2:00pm (AEST) on Network Seven and Race 2 on Sunday, 10th July from12:30pm (AEST) on Seven Mate.
