Dave “Sideways” Sieders has taken out his third pole position for 2013, his third on the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit, and extended his lead in the Auto One V8 Ute Series – protected by Armor All today, 25th October 2013.Struggling to record a quick lap in the opening minutes, the 29 year old from Londonderry (NSW) was able to drive his Mine Site Fencing Australia FG V8 Ute to a time of 1:25.2399, one of 11 cars to better his own practice lap record.
“I probably backed off more than I should have on the opening lap, as I had been expecting to be baulked by the last of the field entering the circuit,” said Sieders, “it took me a few laps to then get some clean air in front of me, but that’s all it took to get it done.”“Our cars have great pace here, and both myself and Andrew Fisher have set the lap record here in recent years,” said Sieders, “it’s really great to see four of our Utes qualifying in the Top 10, plus Jeremy [Gray] in 11th, all quicker than the previous lap record here.”Bagging the maximum 35 points in qualifying, as he looks to try to take out the 2013 V8 Ute Championship, Sieders has extended his lead in the Series to 12 points over reigning champion Ryal Harris.
“Every point is critical, this is Ryal’s backyard and he has been pretty strong here in the past, with a clean sweep of the round in 2011,” said Sieders, “I’m looking to back up last year and win the weekend, but I’m certainly focussed on staying in front of him, and I’m happy to be starting a few rows ahead of him for the opener”.Sieders earlier topped the opening, and only, practice session for the V8 Utes, with the concrete jungle that is the Gold Coast Street Circuit claiming victims in both sessions.
“There is just no room for error at this track, and we’ve seen that already today, not only in the Utes, but in almost every session that’s been on track throughout the day.”
The opening race for the V8 Utes will hit the streets of Surfers’ Paradise at 12:55pm on Saturday, with races two and three on Sunday at 8:15am and 12:10pm. Both race one and three will be broadcast as live on Network Seven as part of the V8 Supercar telecast.“The biggest thing at this Gold Coast circuit is staying out of trouble, and so I’ll be looking to get a good jump and keep only clear space in front of me tomorrow, to bring it home nice and straight.”
Dave Sieders is encouraging all Australians who would like to support The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal to do so by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), online at salvationarmy.org.au or in person at any Westpac Bank branch, Woolworths Supermarkets (who will match donations dollar for dollar) or Target stores nationwide.
