Shane Dias claims pole as times tumble in V8 Utes qualifying.

After two intense practice sessions and equally frantic times in the pits, Shane Dias claimed a hard won pole in Round Two of the RYCO 24•7 V8 Utes racing championship at Pukekohe.  Peter Ward set the early pace in qualifying until Shane posted a blistering 1.16.343 lap – a fitting reward for a fortnight of late nights massaging the panels and eliminating engine issues on the TimberWorld Holden.

Just getting onto the track was quite an effort for David ‘Shaggy’ Lowe who – with the help of several other teams – managed to change the gearbox between practice sessions. The effort paid off with a big lift in performance for the RYCO 24•7-backed Holden ute. Gearbox issues, however, plagued the Ford of Greg Kroef who exited the session early, while son Brad stormed to a hard won 3^rd.

Nick Ross stepped in for cousin Phil in the #700 Holden ute and posted an impressive qualifying time. Qualifying also saw a brig improvement for Simon Ussher in the United Movers Ford, moving up considerably on his qualifying times in previous rounds to a well-earned 5^th fastest. Rookie Daniel Ludlam continues to impress, trimming his lap times in only his second outing in a V8 Ute.

So as the session ended, here’s how the V8 Utes lined up for Race 1 Saturday morning: