Photo: Geoff 'SOS' Spencer absorbs the pressure from Andrew 'DJ48' WaiteThe UDC V8 Ute Championship threw up yet another new winner today as the category continued to provide some of the best racing of the summer at Timaru International Motor Raceway.
Palmerston North driver Geoff 'SOS' Spencer took his first victory in a cliffhanger as he held off championship leader Andrew 'DJ48' Waite after a fantastic race around the 2.4 kilometre circuit. Aucklander Mike 'Buzz' Lightfoot completed the podium after he drove his BSL Buckley Systems Falcon from last to third in the 8 lap race.
Spencer received a great ovation as he returned to the pits. The series veteran came close to his maiden victory last weekend at Teretonga only to slide off the the circuit within sight of the chequered flag. This week in his own words it was "mission accomplished!" Swamped by well wishers an elated Spencer said, "the TWL/The Barn Company Holden had good boogie and handled really well. Today was my best qualifying and best race result." The achievements came at a circuit Spencer described as "very difficult" and one "suited better to the Falcons." "We learnt about blocking lines last week. We've got our mojo. It is a monkey off my back and a real confidence builder."
Waite, driving a borrowed ute this weekend after his Valvoline/Hydraulink Falcon suffered engine problems last week, fought his way through the field and pressured Spencer over the last few laps. "I tried everything," he said. Lightfoot produced another great drive to surge from the back to third place.
Jeff 'Ripples' Kernohan of Turangi drove well to hold off a line up of V8 Utes to secure fourth ahead of Scott 'Precious' McKelvie and Chris 'Hammer Time' Hanley.
Brett 'The Scud' Rudd had started on pole with Dave 'The Boss' Stewart of Wellington alongside. Stewart got tipped into a spin at the first corner and Spencer seized the lead. Behind him the battle raged for the entire 8 laps and many teams will have a late night tonight as they take care of some urgent panel work, the results of some tough arm wrestles throughout the pack.
Earlier in the day Waite had banked points with fastest time in qualifying from Lightfoot, Spencer and Hanley.
QUALIFYING
1st: Andrew Waite (Auckland) Ford - 1.13.525 seconds
2nd: Mike Lightfoot (Auckland) Ford - 1.13.863
3rd: Geoff Spencer (Palmerston North) Holden - 1.14.361
4th: Chris Hanley (Auckland) Holden - 1minute 14.378
5th: Peter Ward (Auckland) Holden - 1.14.451
6th: Scott McKelvie (Auckland) Holden - 1.14.562
7th: James Urquhart (Karaka) Holden - 1.14.667
8th: Dave Stewart (Wellington) Holden - 1.14.723
9th: David Kernohan (Turangi) Ford - 1.14.963
10th: Jeff Kernohan (Turangi) Ford - 1.15.384
11th: Brett Rudd (Auckland) Holden - 1.15.853
12th: Peter Robb (Wanganui) Holden - 1.16.113
RACE 1 - 8 LAPS (MARBLE DRAW GRID)
1st: Geoff Spencer
2nd: Andrew Waite
3rd: Mike Lightfoot
4th: Jeff Kernohan
5th: Scott McKelvie
6th: Chris Hanley
7th: David Kernohan
8th: James Urquhart
9th: Peter Ward
10th: Brett Rudd
11th: Peter Robb
12th: Dave Stewart
