After a post-podium hearing ENZED Drivers Championship Leader Ryal Harris was penalised 26 seconds in Race 2 for contact with Gerard McLeod’s Macmahon Mining’s Holden, moving West Aussie Rhys McNally into 3rd overall for Round 5 of the 2013 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by ARMOR ALL (Sunday, 15th September).

Stratco Racing’s McNally was pleased with the extra points and although claiming Race 2 he was disappointed with his Race 3 results, where he started alongside Nathan Pretty on the front row and after a brilliant start locked up into turn 1 forcing his Holden off the track and back 7 positions, handing Pretty the lead.

“Obviously after Race 3 I wanted to shoot myself, I was really disappointed with the last race. My win on Sunday morning was good, and we still scored some good points, which is key for the championship. We need to make every round count now so there will be a lot of pressure coming into the final rounds, we have to make sure don’t stuff up or make a mistake,”

The 23 year old is looking forward to the remaining rounds, especially Bathurst.

“The last three rounds are my more favourable tracks, I was fast last year at Bathurst but I struggled with the drive, I’ll hopefully have time to get a test day in before Bathurst, I definitely have more confidence now, here (Sandown Raceway) we were relatively quick but I still need more time in the car,” said McNally.

McNally is now only 15 points behind third placed David Sieders in the ENZED Drivers Championship. Round winner Nathan Pretty has moved into 2nd only 11 points behind Harris who is still leading the Series.

The drivers will head to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama for Round 6 of the Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by ARMOR ALL 10 – 13 October. If you missed the action from Round 5 at Sandown Raceway tune in to Network Seven this Saturday, 21st September at 1:30pm (check local guides).