Oran Park: Russell Ingall weekend summary

INGALL ROUNDS OUT 2008 WITH FOURTH AT ORAN PARK

Supercheap Auto Racing's Russell Ingall has rounded out the year with a fine fourth placing in the NRMA Motoring + Services Grand Finale at Sydney's Oran Park Raceway over the weekend.

Ingall was one of the main contenders for the round victory across the three 46-lap races around the iconic 2.6km circuit.

After qualifying in fifth position Ingall fought his way up to third spot during race one before proving that the 'Enforcer' was back with some scintillating moves during the second race. The 2005 series champion pushed his way into second spot, in between Garth Tander and Steve Richards.

With the round win within his sights, Ingall started the final race from the front row however an unusually sluggish start saw him drop back to eighth spot during the opening lap.

When he then flat-spotted a front left tyre during the following early laps, Ingall's focus turned towards maintaining his ninth spot in the championship standings rather than chasing his third podium result of 2008. In the end he crossed the line in 11th place.

"We very nearly had our first round win of the year but unfortunately we didn't quite get there," said Ingall.

"All weekend we had some good speed but we changed the set up slightly before the final race as it looked like it was going to rain, unfortunately though, it stayed dry.

"I also flat spotted a tyre early in the final race which cost me a fair bit of pace as I had to go onto conservative mode and rather than chasing another round podium I aimed at making sure I finished ninth in the championship."

Jamie Whincup's win in the opening race was enough for him to secure his maiden V8 Championship while Garth Tander claimed the round victory over Craig Lowndes and Rick Kelly.

The opening round of the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship Series will be contested at the Clipsal 500 around the Adelaide Street Circuit on March 19 -- 22.

-credit: russellingall.com.au