A change of team and a new manufacturer has given Stephen “Whitedog” White a solid result for the opening round of the 2014 Australian V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by HAWKEI this weekend, 27th February – 2nd March 2014.
The Tomich Wines and NEXT ATM backed driver from Sandringham (Victoria) has moved across to an FG Ford with the Sieders Racing Team this weekend and was quite satisfied in his improvements over the weekend, finishing 14th outright.
“I didn’t get a chance to test before this round, so there was a lot to be learned on the run this weekend,” said White, “the Ford is so much different to drive, and requires a more aggressive style, which is probably a little different to my natural style”.
“We had a shocking round here last year and finished 23rd, so I’m pretty pleased with 14th for the round considering, coming here this year with a new team and in a new car.”
Having competed in a Commodore last season, the early practice sessions were all about learning the craft of handling the Ford
“We knocked off seven-tenths from Practice one to Qualifying, and Dave [Sieders] only knocked off two-tenths more than that for Pole, so our early progression was good, we just got buried at P20.”
Getting off the line in his first V8 Ute race in a Ford didn’t appear to trouble White on the Friday, however, technique was getting the better of him throughout the race as he was unable to get past Gerard McLeod and finished two spots up in 18th.
“I got a good jump on the guys around me, but just couldn’t match it down the straight,” said White, “we had initial concerns about being down on power, but after going through the data and footage, from all our cars, we found that the gear changes were costing me more than they should”.
With a renewed approach, White was able to find his way through the field better in race two. After avoiding a four car incident on the first lap, White eventually pipped his Sieders Racing teammate, IXL Lubricant’s Jeremy Gray, on the line at the checkered flag by 0.038 seconds for 11th place.
“Staying out of trouble is so critical at a place like this, especially in Utes, so there’s always gains to be made,” said White, “it was a bit of a Sieders Racing drag race with Jerro [Jeremy Gray] at the end there, and it was certainly nice to get him on the line”.
In the final on Sunday, White was able to get a jump on the field around him, finishing the opening lap in 10th, and found himself in a race-long battle with Jesse Dixon before losing a couple of spots in the final laps to finish where he started.
“What a tough race to end the weekend,” said White, “I had a great start and climbed into the top ten on the opening lap, but I just couldn’t hold out Kimbo [Kim Jane] and [Andrew] Fisher at the end there, but happy with 13th for a last minute drive”.
The V8 Ute Series now has a 10 week break before heading to Barbagallo Raceway in Perth for the next round (16-18th May 2014), and although not yet confirmed to line-up, White is determined to find the backing needed to contest the whole season.
“We’ve shown some good pace this weekend, probably enough to challenge the top ten, and the Sieders guys have been amazing, with their whole set-up and approach allowing me to come up to speed as quickly as I have, so I’ll be doing what it takes to stay on track for the whole season.”
