Utes: Series Winton Friday notes

Fisher sets heavenly time in V8 Ute Practice at Winton

Current 2009 series leader, Gary Baxter is in good form to reclaim his Winton title from 2008 with the second fastest time in Practice One, Round Two of the Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series at Winton Raceway in North Eastern Victoria today. However Jesus All About Life Racings, Andrew Fisher was the surprise of the session setting the fastest time in Practice One, the only ute under the lap record.

Both drivers kept pace in Practice Two pushing times under the 1:40 mark, Baxter with a time of 1:39.66 (a track practice record) and Fisher in a time of 1:39.68.

Coopers Pale Ales, Jack Elsegood was the only other driver to go under the 1:40 mark, pipping Fisher with a time of 1:39.68.

Clipsal Race 3 winner Ryal Harris had a seized thermostat in his Commodore and missed the first session however made it back out for Practice Two.

A full field of 32 drivers hit the track with two Mechanics stepping behind the wheel, Matt "Spacer" Holt for Warren Millet and Cameron Wilson for Kurt Wimmer's car #32, unfortunately Wimmer has been diagnosed with pneumonia.

Michael Kavich, brother to #26 Ben Kavich also made his V8 Ute debut in Ute #16, driven by Wayne Lamont in 2008. SEW Eurodrives, Noel Edge had to withdraw due to engine problems and Rookie Jason Gomersall's iseek Ford BF also had timing gear issues and the team is working fast to make repairs so he can rejoin the field for Qualifying.

"We will be doing our damndest to get back out there. With a bit of luck we can get the engine that's in the car running without having to replace it," said Gomersall.

Rookie Gary Carson also showed he was a force to be reckoned with after laying down a time of 1.42.26 in Practice One in 17th position and 9th place in Practice Two in a time of 1:40.82 ahead of current Rookie leader Paul Williams.

Grant "Grunta" Johnson enjoyed his time behind the wheel again after missing out on Race Three at Clipsal 500 due to a 180km crash into turn 8.

"I am feeling a lot better and the car feels great. I thought I would need to wear a rib brace but after a consultation with the doctor the other day we decided that I didn't need to." "I just hope I can catch up on some points that I missed last round," said Johnson. Reigning Champion, Layton Crambrook is another driver who will be looking to make-up some points and managed a consistent 5th fastest finish in practice one and two.

Qualifying will begin at 10:25am Saturday, 2nd May and all drivers will be pushing the limits with qualifying now counted in the points tally.

-credit: utes