Super fast SuperSprint for Geoff ‘SOS’ Spencer

All the off-season preparation paid off, with Coresteel Buildings Manawatu/Whanganui operator Geoff ‘SOS’ Spencer making a solid start to the V8 Ute Race season, placing 5th overall.

The racing was part of the Auckland SuperSprint held 4-6 November at the Pukekohe Park Raceway.

The event marked the launch of Geoff’s new livery – a freshly painted sign written ute and a smart racing suit.

“Our new colour scheme received favorable comments and stood out on the track in front of the three-day crowd of 106,000 people and live TV coverage on Sky Sport,” says Geoff.

Race one

“We got off the line well, and moved up to 7th, but then we developed a shudder under brakes, which made it very difficult to pull up from 205kph, and I dropped back to 10th.”

Race two

Race two is a complete reverse grid and by halfway through the first lap Geoff went from 5th to 1st place. “I bolted from the field having a few blockers in place behind. It is amazing how far beers will go for certain favours!”

Geoff established a lead of over five seconds and was looking comfortable until the safety car came out for an incident on the turn and completely eliminated his advantage.

“We managed another good start, and led for 10 of the 12 laps, with some of the fast boys applying pressure and Morse code on my tailgate. I was rapped to finish in second place and as a bonus, it made for some great TV!”

Race three

The race three grid was determined by aggregate points, which placed Geoff 5th for starting and resulted in a 5th place finish – producing his fastest lap of the weekend.

Thanks to the sponsors

Coresteel Buildings, SOS, New Zealand Steel, Konnect, Porter Group, Roofing Industries, Jackson Enterprises, Purewax, and Glenn Carroll Transport.

Next race

Premier Motorsport Championship, Taupo, 9-11 December 2016.
Images courtesy of Geoff Ridder.