Kiwi Star Joins V8 Utes Field At Timaru

Kiwi Star Joins V8 Utes Field At Timaru

New Zealand international Chris Pither, formerly of Palmerston North but more recently resident in Australia, will make things even more difficult for the four leading drivers in the 2008/2009 ENZED V8 Utes Series at Timaru this weekend. The 22-year-old will appear in the series for the first time but he is no stranger to V8 Utes. 'The Kid' as he is known across the Tasman has raced them successfully in Australia and has also competed in the Australian V8 Supercar Series, both in the main game and the Development Series. Pither's presence will add another potential frontrunner to the mix this weekend as the series four leading drivers continue a championship battle that looks set to go all the way to the final race.

This weekend's round is the fifth in the series and to emphasise just how competitive the racing has been there has been a different winner at every round to date. Defending champion Matthew Lockwood 'The Phantom' won the opening round in his H20 Sola Holden before Mack 'BOMBA' Peach took out his home round in The Barn Company Holden at Pukekohe. After a trying start to the series Ford's top runner Simon Beirne 'Jnr Burner' of Christchurch took his Team McDonald's Ford to victory at Taupo and just last weekend Caine Lobb 'The Ginja Ninja' was dominant as he took a clean sweep at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway in Christchurch in his Mark Cromie Holden.

The addition of Pither in the Cairns Bins Falcon adds even more spice to an enthralling series this weekend.

Lockwood leads the series as it arrives in Timaru with 542 points. He began the championship strongly at his former home circuit of Manfeild and has never been headed since as he has consistently gathered points with strong finishes. Lockwood won the round at Timaru last year, the first ever ENZED V8 Ute round in New Zealand, and feels that his older VU model Holden will have more chance of a victory on the tighter Timaru circuit than at some of the other tracks the series visits.

Lobb of Whangarei is second in the championship and fresh from a superb showing last weekend at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway in Christchurch. That dominant performance has seen him accelerate into second in the points, just 25 behind Lockwood. At the conclusion of last week's round Lobb was looking forward to carrying that momentum to Timaru and the final round at Teretonga the following weekend.

Aucklander Peach is currently third in the standings while last year's runner-up Christchurch driver Simon Beirne is fourth. 'Jnr Burner' had a horror start to the championship this season after being t-boned at the opening round and then suffering engine problems at the next.

Outside of the top four there is plenty of talent and close racing. Dunedin driver Craig Paterson has done well this year in his BP2GO Falcon. So too has Graham Beirne 'Snr Burner' in his John Jones Steel Falcon. Frank Van Shaijik 'Shrek' is fresh from his best ever result last weekend in his John Jones Steel Holden while well known Christchurch businessman Mike Pero scored his first podium at Ruapuna.

Others expected on the grid this weekend are North Islanders Geoff Spencer, David Kernohan, James 'Huggi' Urquhart, Peter Robb and Bob Grove.

Timaru is always a popular stop on the championship trail. The friendly atmosphere and the enthusiasm for motorsport in the beautiful seaside town make it a favourite with competitors.

Other categories on an exciting programme this weekend are New Zealand Super Trucks, Hatton Horsefloat OSCA Saloons, Firestone Super Six Saloons, Kumho Sport Saloons, Paul Smith Earthmoving Classic Invitational, Toyo Tyres Pro 7, Kumho Pre 65 Saloons and Mini 7 South.

ENZED V8 Utes are powered by The Rock and fuelled by Demon Energy.

The series commercial partners include ENZED, The ROCK FM, Yokohama - the official tyre supplier, Penrite Lubricants - the series official oil and Demon Energy.

Provisional Points to date: Matthew Lockwood - 542; Caine Lobb - 517; Mack Peach - 494; Simon Beirne - 470; Craig Paterson - 432; Graham Beirne - 394; Geoff Spencer - 390; David Kernohan - 356; Frank Van Shaijik - 355; James Urquhart - 346; Mike Pero - 341; Peter Robb - 283; Peter Ward - 224; Bob Grove - 156; Ash Cairns - 107; Mike Lightfoot - 92; Steve Elliott - 62; Dayne Running - 27; Miles Worsley - 0;

ends

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