AUS Utes: Hi-Tech Motorsport Sydney practice 2 report

Hi-Tech Hits Back

Hi-Tech Motorsport has hit back at this morning's issues with a cracking second practice session at the Sydney round of the Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series.

The current series leader, Grant Johnson made his way to 2nd position in the session quickly, after his team miraculously reassembled the roll cage inside his VE Ute this morning.

"At the end of the day I'm just extremely happy with the team" said an elated Johnson. "I can't believe they did the work they did and got me on track. "To come away with a second in the session is testament to job they do."

Jack Elsegood in the #1 Coopers Clear Falcon again neared the top of the time sheet in 3rd position, clocking a best lap just shy of team-mate Johnson.

Rhys McNally found fine form on the cement-lined circuit, working his way to 7th position within the field, before clipping a wall on the final lap of the session.

#44 Ute and handler Greg Willis had a mixed session, finishing in 27th position. "After reviewing the data from practice one and trying to make some changes, it just didn't work," said Willis After clipping a tyre bundle nearing the end of the session, Willis will be looking for a better performance in tomorrow's sessions.

Japanese guest driver, Ryo Orime also continued his impressive streak, with times good enough to take him to 18th position. Hi- Tec Team Manager John "Barrel" Pachos is very happy with the work of the Super GT champion so far.

"I'm very impressed with 'hamburger'," say Pachos, grinning. "Working with Mr Orime is bringing memories back of when I used to work in Macau. They told me I should learn the lingo. Now I wish I had of."

Communication with Mr Orime is handled through an interpreter, so things can get complicated during the race with the issue of relaying messages. "The main thing is that he's having a great time," says Pachos.

The team is now working late tonight to prepare the utes to true Hi-Tech form for tomorrow's qualifying and race 1.

-source: hightechmotorsport.com.au