2012 V8 Ute Rookie of the Year, Kris Walton, is set to compete in the New Zealand V8 Ute support races at the Pukekohe round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series 1214 April.
Waltons Ford BF has been entered into three rounds of the New Zealand series, yet Kris is unsure of whether he will compete in the other two rounds.
It really depends on how I am performing throughout the series, said Walton.
The six million dollar upgrade of the Pukekohe circuit, which has been designed around a horse racing track, will feature three new turns, and the extremely fast nature of the track will ensure an adrenalin pumping action packed event for all those involved.
Ive heard nothing but great things about the circuit and Im keen to race over there. Ill definitely be looking for some race wins, said Walton.
It isnt the first time Kiwi and Aussie drivers have crossed the Tasman to compete in both the New Zealand V8 Ute Series and the Aussie Series. Last year, 3 Kiwis competed in the Bathurst 50th anniversary celebration round, (James Huggi Urquart, Peter Kaos Ward and Peter Rocketman Robb). Kiwis Andrew Waite (2011/12 New Zealand V8 Ute Champ) competed in the Darwin Round last year as part of the Chris Pither Scholarshippowered by Ice Break, and Chris Pither had an impressive record claiming both the New Zealand and Aussie V8 Ute Titles.
Aussies have also competed in New Zealand as part of the Trans-Tasman Challenge at Manfeild in 2006 and Hamilton in 2009, although Walton will be the first Australian since Robert Jarvis in 2010 to compete in both the New Zealand V8 Ute Series and Aussie Series.
Kris or Killa as known to his friends will be keen to continue his good form coming out of Round 1 of the Auto One V8 Ute Racing Seriesprotected by Armor All, at Adelaides Clipsal 500. Although Round 1 standings see Walton sitting in eighth position, the result does not truly reflect his form on the track. Walton finished second to Nathan Pretty in race one, but an unfortunate penalty in race two stripped him of the win and delegated him back ten places to 11th position.
It wasnt very good news thats for sure. Were out there to win races so, well try our best and get through, the same way we did last time, said Walton after the race. Contact with teammate Ryan Hansford was enough to warrant the penalty from race officials.
One thing is for certain, Walton will be out to make amends in New Zealand, as well as fly the Aussie flag for all the Australian fans going to the Pukekohe round.
The V8 Utes Series consists of a 32 Ute field made up of 16 Ford and 16 Holdens. The Series has been in action since 2001 and is televised nationally through Network Seven.
Ronald McDonald HouseSouth East QLD is the Official Charity to Australian V8 Ute Racing. Ronald McDonald House is dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families and provided vital help to over 75,000 families through a wide range of programs.
