NZV8: Caltex Racing round seven qualifying notes

CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER FOGG FASTEST AND FAVOURITE

Caltex Racing's Parker ENZED NZV8s series points leader Angus Fogg has had a fantastic start to the final round of the 2005/06 New Zealand championship at Pukekohe Park topping the time sheets in final testing of Friday and again in qualifying this morning.

Fogg, who went into this weekend's final in second place in the championship points standings, then inherited the lead yesterday when Kayne Scott was penalised for a testing infringement

In testing yesterday Fogg set a best time of 1.01.114, to beat Scott by 0.244 of a second with John McIntyre third, Andy Booth fourth, Andrew Fawcett fifth and Fogg's Caltex Racing teammate Paul Pedersen sixth.

Fogg's barn-storming run in the Caltex Star Mart continued in qualifying this morning's with a best time of 1.00.951.

Kayne Scott was again second fastest, this time 0.152 of a second back with McIntyre again third, Fawcett fourth and Caltex Havoline man Paul Pedersen fifth.

Fogg set his pole lap relatively early in the session (lap 5), and was delighted with his effort.

"That's about as good as it gets," he said. "The car's good, and I got a good clear lap."

With pole in the bag, and - now - a 116 point lead in the championship points standings Fogg is in an enviable position far as the 2005/06 New Zealand title is concerned, though with three tough races to go, one this afternoon, and two tomorrow, the trophy is not quite in the cabinet yet.

"If we can get through the first race clean we'll certainly be looking pretty good," he said, "particularly considering the dramas going on around me!"

-cr-