What an exciting way to launch the 2022 RYCO 24•7 NZ V8 Utes Racing Championship – Round 1! In-brief, Peter Ward wins V8 Utes Race #1 on the side with Brad Kroef winning in Race #2.
Are you ready to discover the details of Day 1 at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park?
To begin, the ultra-experienced Ward was expected to have it all his own way, but Brad Kroef had bold ambitions after topping the practice sheets the day before!
As Race #1 launched, Ward prevailed over Greg Kroef, setting the agenda for a tense 8-lap duel. Whilst Brad Kroef stalled right on the starting line, forcing the field to take evasive action around him, Greg Kroef was piling the pressure onto his veteran rival Ward. Even as Greg Kroef was throwing everything at Ward, he was pushing too hard on turn six forcing his Ford FG to run again wide and lose ground. Thus, allowing Ward to remain in the leadership position for Race #1 collecting the spoils at the chequered flag.
Intriguing details about RYCO 24•7 NZ V8 Utes Round 1 – Race #1 & #2:
As Race #1 launched, Ward prevailed over Greg Kroef, setting the agenda for a tense 8-lap duel. Whilst Brad Kroef stalled right on the starting line, forcing the field to take evasive action around him, Greg Kroef was piling the pressure onto his veteran rival Ward. Even as Greg was throwing everything at Ward, he was pushing too hard on turn six forcing his Ford FG to run again wide and lose ground. Thus, allowing Ward to remain in the leadership position for Race #1 collecting the spoils at the chequered flag.
Race #2 was a mix of challenges for front runners! Paul Fougera’s turn to fumble the start, leaving the field to scurry around him and allowing Brad Kroef to snatch the lead. Meanwhile, drama unfolded on turn one as there was contact between Shane Dias and Simon Ussher, causing a ripple effect on their side panels – and the field!
Race #2 – Mid-Race Action
Finally, at the chequered flag, Brad Kroef held the lead with Peter Ward claiming a hard-won 2nd and Stu Monteith’s positioned in 3rd. After Greg Rust’s post-race interview, Brad Kroef was clearly overcome with emotion as he realised what he had achieved!
Here’s how the drivers placed for Race #1 and Race #2 of the RYCO 24•7 V8 Ute Championship – Round 1 event:
| QUALIFYING | RACE 1 | RACE 2 |
| Greg Kroef – Ford FG 1.17.166 | 1st Peter WArd | 1st Brad Kroef |
| Peter Ward – Holden 1.17.314 | 2nd Greg Kroef | 2nd Peter Ward |
| Brad Kroef – Ford FG 1.17.315 | 3rd Shane Dias | 3rd Stuart Monteith |
| Shane Dias – Holden 1.17.41 | 4th Phil Ross | 4th Phil Ross |
| Phil Ross – Holden 1.18.348 | 5th Stuart Monteith | 5th Paul Fougere |
| Stu Monteith – Holden 1.18.349 | 6th Simon Ussher | 6th David Lowe |
| Simon Ussher – Ford FG 1.18.483 | 7th Brad Kroef | 7th Simon Ussher |
| Paul Fougere – Holden 1.18.811 | 8th Paul Fougere | 8th Greg Kroef |
| David Lowe – Holden 1.19.798 | 9th David Lowe | 8th Bruce McRae |
| Bruce McRae – Holden 1.22.78 | 10th Bruce McRae | 10th Daniel Ludlam |
| Daniel Ludlam – Ford BG 1.24.602 | 11th Daniel LUdlam | 11th Shane Dias |
To wrap up, what a great start at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park! With ups and downs, and a few surprises along the way, Stay tuned for Race #3 and Race #4 results of the RYCO 24•7 NZ V8 Utes Racing Championship – Round 1!
Stay tuned for Race #3 and Race #4 results of the RYCO 24•7 NZ V8 Utes Racing Championship – Round 1!
Content credit to LIVE Advertiser – Glenn Churches who shares with us news reports about the event!
Photography Credit: Dillon Photo NZ
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