Ashleigh Sudholz crowned Miss SuperGP

ASHLEIGH SUDHOLZ CROWNED PRINCESS BEHIND THE WHEEL AHEAD OF NIKON SUPERGP

While TW Steel Miss SuperGP National Finalists Ashleigh Sudholz, Tamika Chesser, Chelsea Dunkley and Meredyth Williams have their minds focused on taking out the TW Steel Miss SuperGP crown next week, today they faced another challenge -- fighting it out for V8 Supercar glory at Dreamworld.

The four finalists, mentored by local V8 Supercar drivers Shane van Gisbergen of Stone Brothers Racing and Tim Slade of Supercheap Auto Racing, took up the challenge of Mount Panorama on Dreamworld's REDLINE - Australia's first full-motion virtual V8 Supercars experience -- today.

While the winning glory went to 20 year old Surfers Paradise finalist Ashleigh, the action was close-knit with plenty of barracking and heckling to be heard between the four simulator cars.

"I thought fighting for the TW Steel Miss SuperGP crown was full-on, but its nothing compared to this," laughed Sudholz.

"With each of us wanting to do the drivers proud and take out the title, the pressure was really on, but I enjoyed it at the same time -- the Redline simulator here at Dreamworld is realistic and it was fun to get a bit of a taste of what the drivers get up to before we see them on track for the Nikon SuperGP next week."

The V8 Supercars will co-headline the Nikon SuperGP on the streets of Surfers Paradise over October 22-25, and Slade and van Gisbergen were pleased with today's result ahead of the big event next week.

"We had Bathurst last week and that was full on, and now we have had the pressure-cooker of today and I am really glad that Ashleigh could make it over the line first and show the rest of them who's boss," said Slade.

"We are all looking forward to getting to the track next week for the Nikon SuperGP, this end of the year is really hectic for us so it was great to have some time out today at Dreamworld."

"Today has been great fun, and I wish the girls all the best of luck for their Grand Final next Thursday night,' said van Gisbergen.

"Tim and I are looking forward to meeting the winner on Friday when they walk the pit lane -- then it will be their turn to wish us luck as we get ready to hit the track!"

Fitted with collision detection and real dynamic mechanical vibration, the four RedLine simulator cars strap challengers into a racing world, with motion cues supporting on-screen action.

Drivers feel the vibration of the motor and the pull of the controls as they pit themselves against three other competitors and 21 drone cars in a virtual race at the legendary Mt Panorama.

Anyone can participate in the fun of V8 Supercars RedLine. Drivers must be at least 130 cm, while passengers must be 18kg and four years of age or above. Dreamworld's V8 Supercars RedLine costs $10 per Driver's Passes and $5.00 per Passenger Pass and can be booked at www.dreamworld.com.au. V8 Supercars RedLine is also open for corporate functions and private bookings after park operation hours.

The 2009 Nikon SuperGP is now just eight days away, with all the on-track action set to get underway on Thursday October 22.

The 2009 Nikon SuperGP will host Event 11 of the V8 Supercars Championship Series and the first round of the 2009/10 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport.

The event is produced through a partnership between the Queensland Government and IMG - tickets for this year's event are on sale now through Ticketek on 1300 303 103.

For all the latest ticket information visit the event's website www.SuperGP.com. From a one-day General Admission ticket to a four-day Platinum Grandstand seat, the Nikon SuperGP has ticket options to suit every style and pocket. One-day General Admission tickets start from just $35 and four-day passes start from $180. Children 12 and under are free to enter the event. See SuperGP.com for all ticketing information, terms and conditions and prices.

-credit: supergp.com