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BAM Media
A trio of Caltex drivers filled positions inside the top ten during race one of the PlaceMakers V8 Supercar event, round three of the 2007 V8 Supercar Championship, at Pukekohe Park Raceway in New Zealand today.
Jamie Whincup was the highest placed Caltex-backed driver during the opening 43-lap encounter around the 2.8km circuit when he crossed the line in fourth position.
Whincup started the race from position five on the grid aboard his Caltex-backed TeamVodafone Falcon maintained his position throughout the race. The TeamVodafone driver capitalized on a battle between fellow Ford driver Steven Richards and reigning Champion Rick Kelly, moving into fourth place on Lap 37.
After setting himself the goal of finishing inside the top six Whincup said he was delighted with his result.
Caltex Racing’s Russell Ingall enjoyed a solid day behind the wheel by qualifying inside the top ten before going on to cross the line in ninth position. His result added a further 10 points to his championship tally and elevated him to ninth spot in the standings.
Ingall’s team-mate James Courtney made a strong start in race one from seventh on the grid, passing Mark Skaife on the opening lap to claim sixth position.
Courtney entered the pits on lap 17 for his compulsory pit stop, his recent bad luck during stops continuing when he was delayed due to a problem with the right rear wheel nut.
The ex-Formula One test driver moved into tenth place when he passed Greg Murphy at the hairpin on lap 23, and claimed another position due to Craig Lowndes running wide, ultimately finishing ninth behind team-mate Ingall.
For Lowndes the day turned sour on lap 28, the TeamVodafone driver commenting that while he thought he braked normally coming into the hairpin the pedal stayed down longer than anticipated locking his front brakes.
Today’s opening race was won by Garth Tander ahead of Mark Winterbottom and Rick Kelly. A pair of 43-lap races will be held tomorrow to complete the round.
