Big Rig Reaches Podium

MEDIA RELEASE
19 FEBRUARY 2013

Big Rig Reaches Podium

'Big Rig' Rob Gibson of Taupo has made the start he wanted in his 2013 UDC V8 Utes campaign.

Gibson kicked off his challenge with a podium in his Lakeside Auto Restoration Falcon after taking third overall at the opening round of the series at Hampton Downs last weekend.

The Taupo driver said in the lead up to the season that he wanted a series podium and he proved that it is very achievable with a great start.

The man they call 'Big Rig' was on the money all weekend qualifying third fastest, less than half a second off pole position, on Saturday morning.

He then compiled a very impressive round in the cut and thrust of the UDC V8 Utes. He opened with a third place before coming from the rear of the grid to eighth in the second race of the round.

A fourth and then a third in Sundays two races completed an outstanding start for a driver who has only ever contested one previous UDC V8 Ute weekend.

"It was a good weekend," said Gibson as he prepared to return to his job as a builder on the Christchurch rebuild on Sunday evening. "The car was very good and it is still straight. We got a third overall and I stood on the podium. I have to say a big thank you to my team and sponsors."

Prior to his lone V8 Ute drive at Hamilton last year Rob had only some club racing and the experience of two years in the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup to his name after seven years in moto-cross.

The Lakeside Auto Restoration Ltd Falcon also had the support of advertising partners Design Builders plus C and B Holmes Agricultural Contractors for the opening round alongside Zest Insurance, Hard as Rocks, Supercrete and Finn MacCuhal's Irish Pub.

Team Gibson Motorsport consists of brothers Rob and Mark Gibson. After competing together for two years in the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup this season they take slightly different paths. Rob will tackle the UDC V8 Ute Series while Mark contests the V8 Challenge Cup.

The next round of the UDC V8 Ute Series is at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway in Christchurch over the weekend of 9/10 March.

Photograph - Rob 'Big Rig' Gibson attacks the Hampton Downs circuit in his Lakeside Auto Restoration Falcon on his way to third place overall in Round 1 of the UDC V8 Ute Series - please credit Euan Cameron.

CALENDAR -- 2013 UDC V8 UTE SERIES
Round 1: 16/17 February 2013 - Hampton Downs, North Waikato
Round 2: 9/10 March 2013 - Powerbuilt Tools Raceway, Christchurch
Round 3: 25/26 May 2013 - Pukekohe Park Raceway, South Auckland
Round 4: 31 August/1 September 2013 - Taupo Motorsport Park, Taupo
Round 5: 19/20 October 2013 - Hampton Downs, North Waikato
Round 6: 9/10 November 2013 - TBA, South Island
Round 7: 7/8 December 2013 - Pukekohe Park Raceway, South Auckland

ENDS

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