David Sieders and Ryal Harris started their title stoush early by coming together in Qualifying at the final Round of the 2012 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Seriesprotected by Armor All at Sydney Olympic Park, Friday, 30th November.
Qualifying points count in the series point score, Sieders picking up an extra 4 points, by out pacing the Gold Coaster and bringing the series lead now down to just 11 points.
Both drivers faced race officials at the end of the session, after Sieders claimed he was turned around by Harris at Turn 7 during the qualifying run.
I got a little flustered today, couldnt quite get into the groove and just tapped the rear of Davids ute as he came off Turn 7, I was on the throttle as it was a hot lap, and he deliberately backed off, Im not sure if he meant to baulk me, however the stakes are high this weekend, I needed to get further up the grid, so was going for it, Harris said.
Sieders believed Harris deliberately nailed the rear of the Mango Credit FG, sending the Western Sydney driver into a 180 degree spin and luckily not into the wall.
I dont share Ryals view that I backed off, he was on the throttle and nailed me, so I will let the Stewards decide and protest if necessary, Sieders said.
Cam McConville set the fastest time, taking the Armor All pole award and the Qualifying record in a time of 1:45.50 in the Bundaberg Holden.
The guys have done a great job on the car. Its a good feeling to win my second Pole in a row and a lap record is always a great bonus, said McConville.
Series front-runner Nathan Pretty also put in a great effort to come in second, and make it an all Holden front row. Prettys Monster Holden is now only 29 points off Sieders in second, and 40 points off the lead, with over 105 points up for grabs over the 3 races.
Sieders was third fastest, only 9/1000ths off Prettys time, from 2012 V8 Ute Rookie of the Year Kris Walton, who was only six one hundredths in front of his teammate and 2011 Rookie of the Year Ryan Hansford in fifth. Harris ended up 6th from series contender Andrew Fisher, Craig Dontas, Kim Jane and veteran Charlie OBrien. Dontas will celebrate his 100th race start when he hits the grid tomorrow for Race 1, while OBrien has been drafted in by the Sieders team to help ride shotgun in David Sieders battle for the ENZED Drivers Championship.
Macmahon Mining Holden driver Gerard McLeod had a great run to qualify 11th fastest (his best ever for the season), ahead of Sean Carter in 12th, who was also very impressive.
Shannons Supercar Showdown Contestant Jack LeBroq is having a superb debut in the V8 Utes claiming 13th fastest. The 19 year old is the lucky recipient of the Chris Pither - powered by Ice Break Scholarship this weekend.
Auto One Wildcard and WRC rally star driver Chris Atkinson also qualified well on his debut and was 15th fastest.
Josh Hunt is another driver to make his debut this weekend. The Gold Coaster is steering the V8 Nights Ford formerly driven by Amber Anderson.
Jack Elsegood had his worst qualifying in 10 years (19th). The Former NRL Star will celebrate his 250th Race start on Sunday and will be the second driver in V8 Ute history to achieve this.
Jake McNally did well to make it to the qualifying session, driving straight from the Camperdown Hospital after suffering a bout of food poisoning overnight. The West Aussie qualified 25th.
The Series battle will continue tomorrow for Race 1, which will be Televised Live as on Network Seven from 1:45pm. On Sunday the V8 Utes will hit the track again for Race 2 at 8:45am with the Series decider Race 3 televised Live as on Network Seven from 1:45pm (check local guides).
