AUS Utes: Series Townsville preview

V8 Utes Ready to Rumble at the Sucrogen Townsville 400

The 2010 Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series - protected by Armor All will hit the streets of Townsville for Round 4, Friday, 9th - Sunday 11th July.

Currently leading the Series by 27 points is West Aussie Grant Johnson, who will be one to look out for with two Armor All Pole Awards and three podiums under his belt already for the year.

Johnson claimed third in Townsville last year, however will have a major rival on his hands from Hi Tech Motorsport Teammate and 2009 Series champion, Jack Elsegood.

Elsegood, known as "The Hustler," is currently in second position in the Series and not only claimed the Armor All Pole Award and the lap record in a time of 1:28.55 at Townsville but also second at the Round last year.

Changes in the field include; Veteran Denis Cribbin back in the Red Ass Mexican Food backed Ford BF that he shares with Colin Dunn. Cribbin hasn't been in the car since Round 1 at Clipsal.

Townsville driver, Graham Edwards will make his debut at Round 4 in his QDP Directional Boring backed Holden VE, in the Greg Thomas Racings owned car.

CNW Electrical's Peter Burnitt will be back on the track after a massive roll-over in Race 3. Big Gun Racings team manager; Joe Devries said it was no easy feat with the quick turn-around.

"It was a close call to get the car ready in time, I've just got it out of the panel shop so it will be good to go for the weekend," said Devries.

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