UDC V8 Utes Series Showdown Comes To Hampton Downs
The UDC V8 Utes have returned from a South Island tour that saw track records fall and new stars rise to the top. This weekend May 10-11th the season comes down to the wire at the NZIGP Season Finale as a bumper 15-ute field hits the track at Hampton Downs.
Glen Collinson still leads the series with a formidable 342 series points. Yet last year's champion Brad Kroef still has a chance of stealing the title, sitting second with 295 points and having won Round 4 at Teretonga. Rest assured neither driver will be letting up.
Yet it's competition for the minor placings that will see some serious action. Several drivers including Greg Kroef and Phill Ross - 3rd equal in the points, Daniel Ludlam, Simon Ussher and Blair Gribble-Bowring could all make it onto the podium setting the scene for some close, competitive racing.
The depth of talent in the mid-field cannot be understated. Former drift racer Blair Gribble-Bowring really found his groove this season - his most notable achievement was beating Chris Pither's track record at Timaru. Cambridge's Phill Ross notched up a race win, a 2nd and two 3rd placings, while Daniel Ludlam has been consistent all season, culminating in a hard-fought 3rd in the round at Teretonga.
New to the series is former D1NZ racer Cam Vernon who's purchased a Ford FG ute recently imported from Australia. The category's technical officer Dave Robb put the ute through its paces at Teretonga ensuring this electric blue ute is primed & ready. Dave Robb loved racing at Teretonga so much he's back for more, this time in one of David 'Shaggy' Lowe's Ford Falcon BFs. Another newcomer Brad Wenzlick will be racing Shaggy's other Falcon BF. Tyler Ward will be looking to make up for lost time having missed the two South Island rounds. After a minor medical layoff, Stu Monteith is back in the #99 Holden after stand-in driver Jake Stoneman notched up two impressive podiums in the ute at Teretonga.
Racing action for the UDC V8 Utes season finale kicks off Sunday morning with a 15-minute Qualifying session. Race One is scheduled for just after lunch. Then a monster 60-minute Race Two will be the final event of the weekend, with late afternoon sun presenting additional challenges for the drivers. Rest assured the stars will shine as the sun sets on a memorable season.
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