Kris Walton to race in Pukekohe V8 Ute Support Event
2012 V8 UteRookie of the Year Kris Walton is set to compete in the New Zealand V8 Utesupport races at the Pukekohe round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series from April 12-14.
Walton’s Ford BF has been entered into three rounds of the New Zealand series,yet Kris is unsure of whether he will compete in the other two rounds.
“It really depends on how I am performing throughout the series,” said Walton.
The sixmillion dollar upgrade of the Pukekohe circuit, which has been designed arounda horse racing track, will feature three new turns, and the extremely fastnature of the track will ensure an adrenalin pumping action packed event forall those involved.
“I’ve heardnothing but great things about the circuit and I’m keen to race over there.I’ll definitely be looking for some race wins,” said Walton.
It isn’t thefirst time Kiwi and Aussie drivers have crossed the Tasman to compete in boththe New Zealand V8 Ute Series and the Aussie Series. Last year, three Kiwis competedin the Bathurst 50th anniversary celebration round, (James “Huggi”Urquart, Peter “Kaos” Ward and Peter “Rocketman” Robb). Kiwi Andrew Waite(2011/12 New Zealand V8 Ute Champ) competed in the Darwin Round last year aspart of the Chris Pither Scholarship – powered by Ice Break, and Chris Pither hadan impressive record claiming both the New Zealand and Aussie V8 Ute Titles.
Aussies havealso competed in New Zealand as part of the Trans-Tasman Challenge at Manfeildin 2006 and Hamilton in 2009, although Walton will be the first Australiansince Robert Jarvis in 2010 to compete in both the New Zealand V8 Ute Seriesand Aussie Series.
Kris or“Killa” as known to his friends, will be keen to continue his good form comingout of Round One of the Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by Armor All,at Adelaide’s Clipsal 500. Although Round One standings see Walton sitting ineighth position, the result does not truly reflect his form on the track.Walton finished second to Nathan Pretty in Race One, but an unfortunate penaltyin Race Two stripped him of the win and delegated him back ten places to 11thposition.
“It wasn’t very good news, that’s for sure. We’re out there to win races, so we’ll try our best and get through, the same way we did last time,” said Waltonafter the race. Contact with teammate Ryan Hansford was enough to warrant thepenalty from race officials.
One thing isfor certain – Walton will be out to make amends in New Zealand, as well as flythe Aussie flag for all the Australian fans going to the Pukekohe round.
The V8 Utes Series consists of a 32 Ute field made up of 16 Ford and 16Holdens. The Series has been in action since 2001 and is televised nationallythrough Network Seven.
Ronald McDonald House – South East QLD is the Official Charity to Australian V8Ute Racing. Ronald McDonald House is dedicated to helping seriously illchildren and their families and provided vital help to over 75,000 familiesthrough a wide range of programs.
