After an intense five-round season, Glen Collinson has claimed the UDC V8 Utes series title over the weekend. Close behind was Brad Kroef in second with Greg Kroef third after some spirited racing in the final round at Hampton Downs. Yet this series decider not only resulted in close racing – but it also unearthed some exciting new talents after several newcomers made their mark in this tribal Ford vs Holden battle.
New to the series, karting & Super Sixers racer Brad Wenzlick topped Sunday morning’s qualifying ahead of Brad Kroef & Glen Collinson. But a gentleman’s agreement saw Brad Wenzlick opt to start Race One way back in 12th to allow the series leaders to scrap it out unhindered. But he didn’t remain there for long.
Glen Collinson lined up on the grid in second and managed to get around Brad Kroef coming into the first corner. But Brad Kroef wasn’t relenting. Lap after lap the dogfight continued with Brad Kroef ultimately hitting the front. Then around lap nine, Brad Wenzlick was looming large in their rear-view mirrors in third . At the chequered flag, just 0.6 seconds separated the front three, resulting in a close Kroef, Collinson Wenzlick 1-2-3 finish.
“I didn’t want to ruin it for them (Glen & Brad) up front,” Brad confessed after the race. “But if I had another lap I’d have given it a crack.” He said with a wry smile.
Greg Kroef was hampered by a misfire relegating him to 14th. But engineer Vince Gee promptly sorted the Heron Construction ute ensuring it was fully-fit for Race Two.
The day’s racing prior to Race Two had created a log jam in the points race with Daniel Ludlam, Phill Ross and Greg Kroef separated by just two points fighting for third. So, the final reverse-grid, 60-minute enduro was to be the decider.
Jeremy Hunt and Greg Kroef started on the front row, but it wasn’t long before Brad Wenzlick, Brad Kroef and Glen Collinson began muscling their way up from the back of the field.
By late in the race, Glen Collinson was firmly in control, but just behind him drama was unfolding. Brad Wenzlick was the big surprise. He continued his clinical overtaking to finish Race Two a close 2nd . He even slid off into the sandpit along the way but recovered quickly and continued his way to the front. Brad Kroef was near the front for much of the race, but one of his tyres couldn’t keep up, forcing a pit stop late in the race.
The day’s racing not only capped off an outstanding series with a win for Glen Collinson, runner up for Brad Kroef while Greg Kroef secured the hotly contested third in the series. It also saw the biggest field of the season in action; a promising indicator that the UDC V8 Utes are growing from strength to strength.
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