AUS Utes: Series Townsville news

Local Driver Joins V8 Utes for Townsville 400 Street Race

Townsville driver Graham "The Mole" Edwards will join the 32 grid V8 Ute field for the first time when he steps into the Holden VE of Greg Thomas Racing for Round 4 of the 2010 Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series - protected by Armor All to be held at the Townsville 400 street race, Queensland 9 - 11 July.

Edwards, like most drivers, started off in Go Karts and after racing karts for 6 years the 20 year old moved behind the wheel of a Gemini earlier in the QLD Gemini Series. Graham sees this as a stepping stone towards his career in the V8 Utes and ultimately to Supercars.

"I moved into a Gemini with Wilson Brothers Racing and my goal was to get into the V8 Utes. I'm really excited, it's only 11 days away now and it's exciting to be racing at my home track in front of a home crowd," said Edwards.

"After my first test session (in Peter Burnitt's Ford BF), I came to really enjoy driving the Utes. It's more fun than the Gemini and my ultimate goal from here would be to try and get into Supercars."

Edwards will be the second youngest driver on the grid next to rookie Rhys McNally who will be 20 later in the year. "The Mole" will sport #30 on his Holden, which has had many veterans behind the wheel including, Yanis Derums who drove it at the last round at Hidden Valley.

The youngster has backing from local businesses including QDP Directional Boring, Protection Plus Security, Maxfit Health & Fitness, Opposite Lock Townsville and is looking to gain more support over the weekend to see him continue in the Series for the rest of the year.

"I would like to come on board for the year. That's why we decided to start at Townsville as I've got the local backing here and will try and find some more support to carry on for the rest of the year," said Edwards.

Edwards hailed from a motorsport background and finds his parents very inspirational when it comes to his motorsport career.

"My parents were really into Speedway and without them I wouldn't be able to do this, they have been a tremendous support over the years and I hope to make them proud over the weekend," explained Edwards.

The V8 Utes will hit the track on Friday, 9th July for practice sessions. Racing begins Saturday, 10th July, with the Armor All Pole Award up for grabs in Qualifying at 9:00am followed by Race 1, which will be televised LIVE on Network Seven at 1:30pm. Sunday, 11th July will see the Race 2 reversed grid race (number of grids to be reversed will be determined after a ballot draw after Race 1) and will end will Race 3 at 3:30pm.

Make-A-Wish Australia is the official charity of Australian V8 Ute Racing who will endeavour to assist the foundation with their mission, which is to "To grant the Wishes of Children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope strength and joy."

-source: aus utes