Garry Holt Gold Coast race notes

27 October, 2003 - Eastern Creek Karts driver, Garry Holt battled against the odds last weekend in the final round of the PROCAR Australian GT Performance Championship but his determination and desire shone through to capture third place in the Championship.

Given the minimal practice and qualifying due to the tight scheduling of the event practice and qualifying laps were of upmost importance. Unfortunately for Garry he endured some engine problems aboard his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII during both of the red flag shortened sessions forcing him down the starting order for the first race.

Making a superb start in Race One Garry had elevated himself into fourth spot within a handful of laps before contact with another competitor brought about a safety car period while Garry limped to the pit area with severe damage and the other vehicle was stranded on the circuit. This incident put paid to a good result for the round.

>From this point the Eastern Creek Karts/2UE team focused on securing third in the Championship. After working through the night to get the Mitsubishi Lancer repaired Garry lined up for Race two only to endure problem with an overheating problem throughout the event. He was however able to elevate himself into 10th spot at the finish.

"The car felt OK but then I started to lose power, it was about staying out there and gaining points towards sealing third in the Championship," commented Garry after Race two.

Unable to make the required repairs within time for Race Three it was all about survival for the team. Garry had to get the car home in one piece and inside the top 12 to hold on to third in the Championship.

Battling with an ailing engine Garry was using all of his experience to stay in contention. With his main rival, Peter Floyd battling for the lead Garry was constantly on the radio to his team manager, Nigel Bolling asking how, what and where. Just as Garry thought the top 3 finish was gone Nigel gave a commentary of the battle for the lead where a last lap pass by Justin Hemmes allowed Garry to hold on for third place.

"That was one of the toughest races I've ever been in. I am delighted to take third in the Championship after missing the opening round and getting to round two was a great effort, let alone competing," said Holt.

"I'd like to thank Eastern Creek Karts, 2UE, Jack Hillermans Smash Repairs, Sonnex, Croydon Racing Developments and my team of guys, especially Nigel Bolling and Robert Devonshire who have been great this year. Thanks to PROCAR for such a great Championship and also all of the officials and volunteers who make this Championship so good."

Garry's third place in the Australian GT Performance Championship also assisted Mitsubishi to seal the Manufacturers Championship.

The Eastern Creek Karts/2UE team will now ready themselves for the Bathurst 24-hour race next month where Gary Young, Michael Brock and Kevin Mundy will partner Garry. Young and Brock last year won the 2-hour Showroom Showdown at Bathurst while Mundy has previously partnered Holt aboard a V8 Supercar around the historic circuit.