Queenslander Kris Walton today wrapped up the 2014 ARMOR ALL Drivers Championship, claiming his first V8 Ute Series title and backed up the New Zealand V8 Ute title he won last weekend at Pukekohe. The RENTCO Ford driver, racing for Peters Motorsport, was in a class of his own this year, winning the title by 78 points, in a season long duel with long – time rival David Sieders that went right down to the final round.
Sieders’ Ford finished 2nd in the title chase, with Gold Coaster Jesse Dixon taking 3rd in the Hayman Reese Holden for Image Racing. Erebus Racing also played a major role in Dixon’s preparation and set up for the season.
Perth driver Rhys McNally finished only 8 points behind Dixon and Ryal Harris rounded out the top 5.
Harris claimed the round win from Rhys McNally and Ryan Hansford, while Walton’s Race 2 flag to flag drive was enough to seal the title. He was penalised 5 points post – race for a jumped start in Race 2, however needed only 2 points to be crowned champion after throwing the title away in yesterday’s race.
“Yeah it’s done, it’s a good feeling, full credit to Rod Dawson and all the team, they gave me a Ute to do the job and to win both the NZ and Australian title in the same week means I can add Trans- Tasman Champion to the CV as well,” said Walton.
Sieders again was left standing at the altar as the eternal bridesmaid, however vows to come back strong for 2015, possibly in a Holden.
“It’s been one of the toughest years we’ve had, the racing is so close. Kris didn’t falter all year until he stalled yesterday, we were consistently the fastest qualifier, however down on race luck compared to Kris that was the only difference – however I am happy with 2nd and roll on 2015,” explained the Western Sydney racer.
In only his second V8 Ute full season, Dixon’s podium was well earned. The 22 year old came on strong in the second half of the season taking pole at the Gold Coast round and will be a real threat for Championship honors next year.
“I’m really happy for the team, to be only in my second year in the series and finish in the top 3 is fantastic for the Hayman Reese team, we probably came on strong a little too late, however we should be on the pace from Round 1 next year. I can’t thank Terry Wyhoon and the Erebus boys enough.”
Elliot Barbour won Race 2 this morning in the Just Car Insurance Holden, from Michael Almonds Toshiba entry and Jesus Racing’s Andrew Fisher. Race 3 was won by Harris from McNally, Barbour, Jane and Hansford.
Gerard McLeod claimed the DBA Hard Braker Award by passing 12 Utes in Race 2, Tyler Greenbury won the Wanda Paints Rookie Award for the round, Andrew Fisher the Masters Award, and Elliot Barbour the ARMOR ALL Best Presented Award.
The final round of the 2014 Australian V8 Ute Racing Series – fuelled by Hogs Breath Café will be telecast on 7Mate Saturday December 13 – Check Local Guides.
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