AUS Utes: Series Winton Friday report

Jane Assassinates V8 Ute time sheets at Winton

Hot from a storming performance in the Trans Tasman Test match in New Zealand, Victorian Kim Jane topped the time sheets in the first practice of Round 2 of the 2010 Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by Armor All at Winton Raceway, today (Friday, 14 May).

Jane, in the Bob Jane T Marts Holden, came in fastest with a time of 1:39.83 but only after having pitted early in the session after losing oil when the drive shaft came out of the diff.

"I have a love/hate relationship with this track. I love it when I'm fastest and hate it when I'm not. So let's hope we keep sharing the love this weekend," said Jane.

Trailing Jane by only two tenths of a second is Ice Break Racings, Chris "Crispy" Pither who after taking out the New Zealand Series in a Ford BF has adjusted well to the Aussie tracks in his Holden VE.

West Aussie Grant Johnson and Ice Break Racings Gary Macdonald were only 4/10ths off Jane's time.

Current Series leader, David "Sideways" Sieders had the Nulon Ford over the line in 5th position, ahead of fellow Ford drivers Coopers Clear Racings Jack Elsegood and Chill/Wicked Energy racer Brad Patton.

Winton specialist Gary Baxter ‘s Sage Automotive Holden was 8th overall from Jesus All About life driver Andrew Fisher who is keen to improve on his current second place in the Series.

Rockstar Energy Drink driver and Rookie Jeremy Gray is making a speedy back recovery and did well to close out the top ten in a time of 1:40 .92.

Gray was followed closely by fellow Rookie rival Rhys McNally who did well to come in 11th in a brand new Ute after an incident at Round 1.

The session was disrupted by a red flag half way through the session after Peter Burnitt and Craig Dontas came together at Turn 1. Burnitt was quick to get back onto the track and claim a time of 1:43.30.

Ben Dunn was forced to retire his Wilson Fabrics backed Ford BF after lap three when the rear axle broke.

"I was running third at the time but still ended the session in 14th. The ute is all fixed now and I'm looking forward to maintaining my top 6 series position over the weekend, "said Dunn.

The V8 Utes will be back on track tomorrow Saturday, 15th May for practice session 2 at 9:00am, Qualifying at 11:50am and Race 1, which will be televised LIVE on Network Seven from 2pm. Race 2, will kick off on Sunday, 16th May at 11:20am and end with Race 3 at 3:40pm.

-source: aus v8 ute