Sandown: Team Betta race two notes

A day of mixed fortunes for Team Betta Electrical V8's

The final round of the V8 Supercar series held under clear blue skies and brilliant sunshine today set the scene for a spectacular final to the year's season.

Betta Electrical have been proud to be naming rights sponsor to this event with Mr. Guy Houghton CEO of Betta Stores Ltd, stating the company's involvement with the series this year has lifted the company's profile dramatically.

Taking up the title sponsorship to this event has been a first form he company and a decision which has created unprecedented exposure for the group.

The 96 lap Race 2 got off to a flying start with the Team Betta Electrical AU Falcons starting in positions 14 and 15.

Tony Longhurst handled the early stages in sterling form by climbing three positions to 12th position on Lap18, with Wilson positioned right behind him in 13th position.

Wilson pitted for tyres on Lap 19. The Safety Car emerged on Lap 29 after Cameron McConville in Lansvale Commodore Car No 3 speared into the Armco railing on the back straight. With track temperature at 40o C the cars were experiencing plenty of grip through the tyres.

There was plenty of action ensuing with several cars leaving the circuit due to oil being deposited on the circuit at the end of the main straight.

Wilson in Car 65 was forced to pit on Lap 45 with electrical problems, with the team forced to repair the alternator with minimal loss of time, seeing Wilson rejoining the field in 30th position with the task ahead of him.

The safety car re-entered again on Lap 62 after an altercation between Todd Kelly in the K- Mart Commodore and Care 18 the Shell Helix falcon of Paul Radisch.

Lap 65 saw Longhurst now positioned 9th in the race and in a strong position to improve further, whilst Wilson was positioned back in 27th position. Longhurst continued to keep the pressure on the leading bunch maintaining 9th position on Lap 72. Further back in the field Wilson was battling to pick his way through the field bringing Car 65 up into 27th position.

Longhurst had a brief moment on Lap 86 whilst trying to catch Weel overcooked Car 66 having a momentary off allowing Craig Lowndes through into 9th position.

By Lap 91 Longhurst had clawed his way back to 9th position. Max Wilson struggled at the back of the pack in 32nd position.

By Lap 93 Longhurst had managed to take the Team Betta Electrical Falcon AU through into 8th position by passing Paul Weel, a dual that had been occurring for the previous eight laps.

The final round being won by Marcos Ambrose in the Pirtek Falcon, completing an impressive round for the team.

Longhurst brought the Team Betta Electrical Car 66 home in credible 8th position whilst Wilson in Team Betta Electrical Car 66 finished in 23rd position .

Crowd figures were pleasing with overall attendance, 31,094.

-tbe-