Kroef wins NZV8 Utes opening race at Manfeild

The NZV8 Utes season got underway with Octoberfast at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon and brought with it the exciting prospect of seeing a new driver and a new ute joining the series. While just behind them, the NI Sixes would line up just behind the utes on the grid for the first time, presenting classic Ford vs Holding racing in two dimensions.

Two-time champion Brad Kroef came out narrowly on top on Saturday. Yet already it’s clear that current champion Glen Collinson, new talent Mitch Sparrow and other hot prospects will ensure this will be a closely-fought season.

During the morning’s Qualifying we had a glimpse of what was to come. The newcomers not only settled in, but set some sizzling lap times, the big surprise being rookie Mitch Sparrow who qualified 2^nd. After climbing through the ranks in kartsport, and having only competed in two previous races in the big Holden, the teenager unleashed an outstanding display of driving.

Daniel Ludlam was also running hot, qualifying ahead of reigning champion Glen Collinson in fourth. Blair Gribble-Bowring managed to flex the muscles of his new Ford FG ute achieving fifth fastest. Phill Ross lost power steering mid-session yet still managed seventh and was just 1.3 seconds behind pole.

With barely half a second separating the first four qualifiers, Race One in the afternoon was set to be a close one.

While Brad Kroef was on pole, Sparrow flew around Kroef on turn one, lap one. From there it was game on. Just behind them, Glen Collinson was also on a charge. He got around Daniel Ludlam on lap one and was ready to pounce. Phill Ross had a great start leaping from seventh to fourth all on the first lap, also getting around Daniel Ludlam. Lap after lap the leaders were separated by barely a second. When they encountered lapped traffic mid race, they had another challenge to negotiate.

Collinson snatched second when Sparrow went wide on the final turn into the main straight late in the race but couldn’t catch Kroef. That’s how the three podium places finished with Phill Ross a comfortable fourth. Further back, Jeremy Hunt was a big improver, moving up from 12^th to finish ninth all on the first lap. Great driving.

Clearly, Mitch Sparrow is taking the pressure in his stride. After the race he confessed, “I couldn’t get around a wide blue ute up in front, “referring to Brad Kroef’s defensive driving skills. “But it was fun.”

With the reverse grid Race Two Sunday morning, the NZV8 Utes look set for another overtaking exhibition.