V8 Utes drivers raring to go
Competitors in the RYCO 24•7 V8 Utes Championship are eagerly counting down the days to the final round of action at Hampton Downs in September.
Drivers last got to race at the New Zealand Grand Prix in February, with the coronavirus stalling the conclusion of the four-round competition.
The 2019-20 championship will now reach its conclusion on September 5-6, with a field of 14-plus drivers raring to go.
Former champion Paul Manuell will be back in his Superfreight Holden and has a 34-point lead over rival Glen Collinson, who is the nearest challenger in a classic Holden v Ford battle.
“It seems like an age ago that we were out racing and obviously we've all been parked up itching to go again ever since,” says Manuell. “I think everyone will just love being out on the track in these great machines. That'll be something we are all looking forward to and of course as soon as we hit the track, it's going to be heads down and total focus as we all try to finish off the season on a high. It should be a lot of fun.”
The final weekend of racing will feature the series’ usual three races and a single qualifying session.
As well as the two main protagonists, big performances can be expected from the other top contenders – Andrew Porter in his Ford, Peter Ward in his Holden and Simon Ussher with his Ford FG Falcon.
Reigning champion Matthew Spratt will not be racing but Jake Stoneman, the owner of the title-holding Ford, hopes to be out racing again as he was at the third round in Manfeild where he secured a debut win.
Championship positions after three rounds
1. Paul Manuell, Holden Commodore, 281pts
2. Glen Collinson, Ford Falcon FG, 247
3. Andrew Porter, Ford Falcon FG, 192
4. Peter Ward, Holden Commodore, 184
5. Simon Ussher, Ford Falcon FG, 165
6. Matthew Spratt, Ford Falcon FG, 140
7. David Lowe, Ford Falcon BF, 131
8. Roger Nees, Ford Falcon BF, 129
9. Stu Monteith, Holden Commodore, 127
10. Paul Fougere, Ford Falcon BF, 117
11. Greg Kroef, Ford Falcon BF, 107
12. James Parker, Holden Commodore, 106
13. Brent Main, Ford Falcon BF, 104
14. Jake Stoneman, Ford Falcon FG, 101
15. Brett Rudd, Holden Commodore, 76
16. Matt Griffin, Holden Commodore, 73
17. Joe Farre (USA), Holden Commodore, 42
18. Bruce Gay, Ford Falcon BF, 14
