Utes: Series rookies aim for V8 Supercar test

V8 Ute Rookies slug out V8 Supercar Test Drive Opportunity

With engine troubles, technical issues and a run of rookie bad-luck, the 2009 Racer Industries Rookie of the year title has become a fierce battle in the Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series and proves the title could land in anyone's hands.

After the first round of the Series at Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, Western Australian young gun Paul Williams was looking untouchable with a whopping 27 points lead heading into Round Two.

Travelling not too far behind him on 41 points was Select TV's, Gary Carson who stepped up his game at Winton Raceway creeping up 11 points behind Williams.

Round Three at Symmons Plains was a tough weekend for Williams with radiator issues forcing him to retire from Race 1 leaving him 24th overall for the weekend, while Wollongong's Gary Carson finished 14th.

Smart driving over the weekend earned Carson the top spot on the Rookie leader-board and now 15 points ahead of Williams he is feeling confident heading into Round Four (the Series halfway point).

"I started to feel a lot more confident behind the wheel once I got to Winton where I had some of my best results and just continued that at Symmons."

"It's an exciting battle at the moment between the Rookies and hopefully I can maintain my lead after Darwin," said Carson.

Third on the leader-board is newcomer Matt Holt who has been driving the Warren Millet Wake-up Holden BF, whilst Millet recovers from illness.

Now in contention for the Rookie badge, he has confirmed that his years of racing production cars and preparing Millets Ute have proven useful on the track.

"I am really enjoying myself out there. Hopefully not too much though as I am really counting on Warren to be back behind the wheel shortly," said Holt.

Currently fourth in the Rookie count, Jason Gomersall and his iseek Rookie team were unfortunate to have been excluded from the Winton round due to an engine technical infringement and will have a lot of catching up to do over the next round.

The leader-board illustrates that the Rookie title is a turbulent battle and all drivers need to keep on their game to claim the overall prize (a test drive in a V8 Supercar and ownership of the Ashley Cooper Memorial Trophy for a year).

You can watch the Rookies in action on the Hidden Valley circuit, Darwin for Round Four, 19 – 21st June.

If you would like to re-cap all of the action from round three at Symmons Plains tune into Network Seven, Saturday, 6th June at 1:30pm (EST).

Current 2009 Racer Industries Rookie of the Year Leaderboard:

Gary Carson        193

Paul Williams     178

Matt Holt          95

Jason Gomersall    73

Cameron Wilson     24

Michael Kavich     22

-credit: utes