Kris “Killa” Walton has topped the time sheets in both practice sessions, whilst teammate Ryan Hansford recovered from a scary incident at the Esses during practice for Round 5 of the 2015 East Coast Bullbars Australian V8 Ute Racing Series at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, Thursday, 8th October.
The Gold Coaster posted a 2:31.82 in the first session, just outside his 2014 record, and is feeling confident with the Rentco Ford going into tomorrow’s qualifying session.
“The car was great at Sandown and we knew it was going to be good here, it steers really well and that’s all we need going over the top of this mountain. Last year in qualifying we had our lap taken off us, so I want it back and hopefully we’ll start the race in front of the field this round,” said Walton.
Mulitspares Racing’s Ryan Hansford locked up into the Esses, pulling up just before the dipper and was unfortunate to be facing the wrong way at the end of it; luckily without hitting the wall. However after a pit lane stop he re-joined the field to post the second fastest time for the second session.
“It wasn’t too scary, I was trying extra hard to go even faster over there and I actually glanced the brake pedal with my foot and my foot came off it, the car was stalled for a while so as it was rolling back I was trying to get it fired up. Once it started I drove up the other way and turned it around, which was probably the better thing to do than roll backwards the whole way. We are very lucky that’s for sure that the car doesn’t have one dent on it,” said Hansford.
Ford driver George Miedecke was second fastest over both sessions, ahead of Hansford, Nathan Pretty, Rhys McNally, Ryal Harris, Gerard McLeod, Craig Dontas, David Sieders and veteran Kim Jane rounded out the top ten.
Richard Mork, showing his Bathurst knowledge having raced here 17 times, posted one of his best V8 Ute results ending 15th fastest overall.
Aaron Borg had a great first run finishing in 18th for the session on debut in the Jesus Racing Ford, 17 year old Perth rookie Kurt Kostecki posted 24th fastest and newcomer Danny Stuttered in 27th.
David Sieders was fined $100 for speeding in pit lane (7km over) during the second session.
The V8 Utes will be back on track at 10:10am tomorrow for a 20minute Qualifying session, which will be televised live on Fox sports, with Queenslander Ryal Harris still leading the Armor All Drivers Championship.
See below remaining schedule for the weekend:Friday, 9th October Qualifying 10:10amSaturday, 10th October Race 1 8:40amSaturday, 10th October Race 2 3:55pmSunday, 11th October Race 3 8:55am
