New series leader following Bathurst V8 Ute Qualifying

The V8 Ute ENZED Drivers Championship title was given a shake-up today Friday, 11th October when David Sieders claimed the ARMOR ALL Pole Award, after Qualifying for Round 6 of the V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by ARMOR ALL at Mount Panorama.

Although Sieders was the class of the field, Nathan Pretty grabbed the series lead following a disappointing session for Ryal Harris, although Pretty’s lead may be short lived.

In post qualifying scrutineering, Pretty’s Holden was found to be underweight, and may be penalised following a stewards hearing scheduled for tomorrow morning. As series points are awarded for qualifying, Pretty’s 3rd fastest time has handed him the series lead, subject to the outcome of his hearing, if the charge is proven, the Holden frontrunner could start from the back of the grid and drop back to 3rd place overall.

Ryal Harris, series leader coming into this round, had his worst qualifying performance and could only manage 20th fastest, after struggling with set up issues.

“We’re just trying to figure out what’s wrong with the Ute now, something is binding up, and we’re scratching our heads at the moment but will work on it tonight. We will definitely do what we can to come back this weekend, it’s sad for Nathan, but if he gets thrown the penalty that will really save us. Dave’s on pole and will be quick tomorrow and he might be second in the title,” said Harris.

Sieders put in a stellar performance in his Mine Site Fencing Australia Entry, and topped the time sheets in a time of 2.33.08, 7/10ths of a second quicker than Stephen White, who had his best Qualifying result to date in his Dunlop Superdealer Holden. This is Sieders second Pole for the year and the Series title is within his grasp.

“I’m very happy, its one I’ve been chasing for a while now, I’ve had poles here in other categories so after three years trying it’s about time. Hopefully we can stay out in front, we’ll soon see. We’ve been strong all weekend, so we’ll see how we go,” said Sieders.

Ryan Hansford came home fourth ahead of Andrew Fisher in his Jesus Racing Ford. Jesse Dixon was the first Rookie over the line in 6th, and Jeremy Gray posted one of his best qualifying results this year in 7th, ahead of 2012 Rookie of the Year Kris Walton. Kim “The Assassin” Jane and Craig Dontas rounded out the top ten.

Rookie Elliot Barbour threw away his session when he went sideways into the wall at Reid Park, which caused a broken front right wheel.  He was forced to park his Ford FG at the top of the mountain before setting a time, but he’s confident he’ll still have a good weekend.

“I just got a bit excited because I went really well in the first sector. The car really felt good, the steering locked up and I grabbed too much curb. I flatfooted into the wall and broke the wheel, but the damage is not too bad. I just have to pass 31 cars now, but I’m up to the challenge and I’m looking forward to it,” said Barbour.

The V8 Utes will be back on track again tomorrow for Race 1 at 9:30am, followed by Race 2, which will be televised LIVE on Network Seven at 2:10pm AEDST (check local guides). The V8 Utes will round out the weekend on Sunday morning with Race 3 at 8am, which will also be televised LIVE on Network Seven.

See below top 5 ENZED Championship Points
1) Nathan Pretty 632
2) Ryal Harris 625
3) David Sieders 603
4) Rhys McNally 574
5) Kris Walton 555

See below top ten combined practice results