Collinson tops UDC V8 Utes in Taupo (Day 1)

Glen Collinson topped the timesheets in the morning’s qualifying then went on to win Race One of the UDC V8 Utes series at Hampton Downs. But in a series known for its close racing due to category-controlled weight & power output, barely 2 seconds separated 2^nd from 10^th.   

In the morning’s 15-minute qualifying session, it only took a couple of laps for Glen Collinson to make his mark and post the fastest lap then retire to the pits, confident he’d done enough for pole. Similarly, Brad Kroef posted his best lap early in the session and put the ‘cue in the rack’, with his father Greg in 3^rd. Phill Ross had been absent from Round One at Manfeild, but he made up for lost time clocking the 4^th fastest lap.

The battle in the mid-field was less predictable, with former drift racer Blair Gribble-Bowring a big improver at 6^th qualifier, marginally behind brother-in-law Daniel Ludlam. Newcomer Tyler Ward driving the championship-winning  Ward Demolition Holden continues to improve slotting into 11^th fastest.

Come Race One in the afternoon, Glen Collinson led from the start, with Brad Kroef close behind. While Brad threw everything at him, Collinson kept his cool taking the chequered flag four seconds ahead of Brad Kroef with father Greg around 7 seconds behind. That made it another all Ford 1-2-3 finish.

Behind the podium positions, the real battles began as the Holden utes of Phill Ross and Daniel Ludlam were at each others’ throats. Ross slipped ahead to claim fourth on lap 3, Ludlam took the place back on lap 5. Ross retaliated on lap 6, yet Ludlam clung onto his tailgate. But ultimately Ross prevailed, the two finishing around a second apart.

A little further back, David ‘Shaggy’ Lowe is back in the category after a 2-year absence and fought his way up from 10^th qualifier to 6^th finisher. Blair Gribble Bowring continues to show pace, holding off the more-experienced Simon Ussher to finish a creditable 7^th. With barely any bump and grind to speak of despite some intense racing, it was a clean, close race despite the largest field of the season.

So with one eye on the skies as dark clouds look ominous, attention turns to Race Two of the UDC V8 Utes series tomorrow morning as the reverse-grid race promises to be a thriller.