Brad Kroef claimed his second NZV8 Utes championship at adrama-filled season decider at Hampton Downs. With the threetitle contenders separated by just 7 points coming into theweekebnd, the finale was destined to be a ripper. Plus, withseveral new drivers joining the series this season and somemuch-improved performances, Brad Kroef certainly had to earnhis title.
After Alex Fougere (3rd in the points) wasfastest in Qualifying then won the first race on Saturdayclimbing to second in the points race. That meant Sundays’races would be critical. Sunny skies meant perfectconditions for the morning’s reverse-grid race – yet itbegan in less than perfect fashion.
After the rolling start,Kyan Davie and Brad Kroef came together on turn one. Next,Kyan and Alex Fougere collided, then Alex’s steering wheelcame off. That’s right - off.
“It’s pretty hardto put the steering wheel back on and realign it during arace,” Alex admitted afterwards. “It washeart-stopping.” Fortunately it wasn’t race-stopping asAlex soldiered on - critical championship points were atstake.
Meanwhile Simon Ussher had found his way to thefront and remained there unchallenged – the contenderswere too busy squabbling for minor placings to threaten thelead. Paul Fougere & Stu Monteith came together on thesweeper, right on the last lap, damaging the rim on Paul’sNapa Auto Parts Holden while Stu slid into the kittylitter. SimonUssher took the chequered flag, Phill Ross overtook his wayup to second.