News
Contenders return for another epic V8 showdown
The grid has been confirmed for another edition of the exciting Kumho V8 Touring Car Series, with the growing category to form part of a busy Hi-Tec Oils Race Winton this weekend.
Among others, the majority of the field from the third round of the Shannons SpeedSeries at Phillip Island will return, including current series leader Jude Bargwanna.
After a dominant display in his series debut, Bargwanna is eager to continue his electric form behind the wheel of the Anderson Motorsport Ford Falcon FG and further extend his series lead at the Winton Raceway.
In doing so, he will have to hold off the experienced Jim Pollicina, who is known for his incredible ability to get the jump off the line in his MoComm Motorsport Communications Holden Commodore, no matter who sits alongside him on the grid.
Another driver who is expected to stir the pot at the top is Phillip Island race winner Jamie Tilley, who will once again return to the series in his Notlaw Racing-backed Ford Falcon FG.
For most drivers, experience will be key to a good result and one driver who boasts that crucial experience is Tony Auddino, with the Rightway Industrial driver having his targets set on ANT Racing’s Tony Evangelou – who is in a similar model Falcon.
“I’ve done a fair bit of competing at Winton, whether its testing or racing it’s a happy little hunting ground for me,” Auddino explained.
“We have always done well and it’s going to be good to get back there to try and maintain the top three in the Kumho Cup, but achieving anything higher than that is still the goal.
“Tony Evangelou is usually my target because it’s apples for apples. It’s easier to judge yourself against similar cars and my focus will to be on pace with him or even beat him.”
As for Evangelou, his focus was primarily on the frontrunners.
“If I’m somewhere not far behind Bargwanna and Tilley, I’ll be very happy,” Evangelou said.
“My car is a bit older, so I’m happy enough to be competitive with Tony (Auddino), but my eyes will be on the front guys.
“I’ve done a fair bit at Winton, I think I have won more races than any other driver there in the past so it’s a bit of a favourite track for me.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the series grow as the season goes on.”
The Kumho V8 Touring Car Series will be in action during this month’s Hi-Tec Oils Race Winton, with Saturday and Sunday’s action to be broadcast live and ad-free via Stan Sport.
Saturday’s coverage on Stan Sport will take place from 11:00am to 5:00pm AEST, while 9Gem will showcase the series live and free from 2pm AEST. Sunday’s Stan Sport coverage will start from 9:30am and will conclude at 5:00pm.
Tickets to the event can be purchased via motorsporttickets.com.au with plenty of ticketing options available.
The Shannons SpeedSeries’ Hi-Tec Oils Race Winton takes place at Winton Raceway on 9-11 June.