AUS Utes: Series Hidden Valley Friday report

Jack's Back for Darwin V8 Ute Track Attack

Coopers Clear Racing driver Jack Elsegood set the fastest time at Darwin's Hidden Valley today in practice for this weekends Round 3 of the Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series – Protected by Amor All.

Elsegood's time was 4/10ths clear of Jesus Racing driver Andrew Fisher with the rapidly improving Brad Patton in the Wicked Energy drink Ford 3rd fastest.

Holden filled the next 5 spots after the 2 practice sessions with Jane, MacDonald, Kovacs, Kiss and Pither marginally quicker than Ben Dunn and David Sieders who rounded out the top 10.

Flying under the radar was series leader Grant Johnson who only ran one session electing not to declare his true pace until qualifying tomorrow morning. Although his overall time was well down on other frontrunners, Johnson's individual fastest sector times would have seen a lap time 2/10ths faster than Elsegood. The Perth driver, who is still looking to sign a major naming right partner, played the same tactical game last year setting the fastest time in qualifying, so much more is expected from Johnson's Holden tomorrow.

Sydney Panel Shop owner Nandi Kiss was the surprise of practice setting 7th fastest time in the Eagle Pro/Bisley Holden. Kiss loves the Hidden Valley layout and qualified 9th last year, so is again expected to be in the top 10 tomorrow.

Gary MacDonald's Ice Break Holden sat out P1 with a leaking gearbox oil seal, and also missed track time in P2 following a small fuel fire. A filler cap petrol was ignited after splashing onto the rear disc brakes sending a flash fire down the side of the ute that was quickly put out. Unfortunately MacDonald missed valuable session time, however was still 5th fastest overall today. Team mate and New Zealand V8 Ute Champ Chris Pither was also in the Top 10 giving the 2 car Ice Break team a strong shot at qualifying tomorrow.

Scott Jennings who will line up for his 100th V8 Ute start this weekend he set the 13th fastest time in the NT Shipping/Samboy Holden. Jennings is hoping for a strong performance this weekend in front of local supporters.

The V8 Utes will hit the track at 9:25am tomorrow (Friday) for Qualifying followed by Race 1, which will be televised LIVE on Network Seven at 2pm.

Sunday's program will see a mystery reversed grid (chosen by ballot) Race 2, which will also be televised LIVE on Network Seven at 12:30pm (EST), followed by Race 3 at 1:35pm.

-source: aus utes