GREAT DAY AT HOME FOR HEPBURN
Timaru driver John Hepburn turned on an impressive performance as he contested Round 4 of the BNT V8s Championship at his home track, Timaru International Motor Raceway this weekend.
Hepburn was in the thick of the action at the front of the field as he drove his John Hepburn Racing Commodore to 6th place in the first race of the day and then a fine 5th in the second contest. While he lost time in the final race as he took a drivethrough penalty after contact with Angus Fogg, the day proved Hepburn could foot it at the front of the field.
Hepburn was "over the moon" after the effort. "It showed that we can run with the guys at the front if we start up there. It was good to get the result at home in front of my sponsors and supporters. We had a good car all weekend. It was a shame about the reverse grid race. I feel sorry for Angus, there was certainly no malice."
The first race was thrown into confusion this morning as rain swept across the track just prior to the start. Most of the field were on slicks and an accident involving several cars brought about a restart. John was quickly on the case once the race was underway again, running strongly to sixth place.
That result placed the Commodore sixth on the grid for the second race and Hepburn drove a great race. He ran in front of fellow Commodore drivers, the experienced Paul Manuell and Nick Ross and received the chequered flag in fifth place, the first Holden driver to cross the line.
John made a good start to the reverse grid race and felt he had a good car and was on track for a good result. However the contact and subsequent penalty halted his progress but it could not ruin a great day for the former motorcycling and truck champion.
Round 5 of the championship takes place at Manfeild Park in Feilding over the weekend 13/14 February.
John Hepburn's campaign in the BNT V8s Championship is supported by Timaru Metal Recyclers, Timaru Signs & Graphix, Paul Smith Earthmoving, Petrie Mayman Clark, Robinsons Auto Dismantlers, Blastcraft, Auto Gas, Scarlett Hydraulics, Pit Stop Otahuhu, Barchetta Pleasurecraft, Ashley Electronics, The Front Store, Pope Print, Shaun Breen Plumbing and Power Farming.
Lindsay Beer
on behalf of Johnny Hepburn Racing
021 351 499
To contact John Hepburn - phone 0274 326 934
Photograph depicts: Timaru driver John Hepburn leads Paul Manuell and the rest of the pack on his way to fifth place in the second race of Round 4 of the BNT V8s Championship in his John Hepburn Racing Commodore at Timaru International Motor Raceway today - please credit sportpromedia.com
CALENDAR 2009/2010 BNT V8s CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 1 - 6-8 November 2009: Pukekohe Park Raceway, Auckland
Round 2 - 27-29 November 2009: Powerbuilt Tools International Raceway, Ruapuna, Christchurch
Round 3 - 15-17 January 2010: Teretonga Park, Invercargill
Round 4 - 22-24 January 2010: Timaru International Motor Raceway, Timaru
Round 5 - 12-14 February 2010: Manfeild Park, Feilding
Round 6 - 19-21 March 2010: Taupo Motorsport Park, Taupo
Non-Championship Trophy Race - 16-18 April 2010: Hamilton 400, Ham
Posted: Mon 25 Jan 2010
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