Long time V8 Ute Veteran Charlie ‘Handlebars’ Kovacs has confirmed that he will not continue in the 2011 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by Armor All.
Kovacs has decided to step out due to work commitments.
“I really need to concentrate on work at the moment so I can play later,” he said.
“The ute is currently being leased so I’m just focusing full time on the business with the plan to return full time next year.”
The South Australian hasn’t raced since Round 2 at Barbagallo Raceway with Yanis Derums taking the reins at Round 3 in Darwin and Rick Gill in Townsville for Round 4.
Since the inception of the V8 Utes class in 2001, Kovacs has only missed three rounds in 11 seasons of racing. He was the first driver to celebrate his 200th V8 Ute race however takes all of his wins as his most memorable moments.
“My first win at Mount Panorama was my favourite moment and any time you win a race is a special occasion,” said Kovacs.
Kovacs has vowed to return to the class in 2012.
The next round of the 2011 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by Armor All will be held at Mount Panorama, October 6-9.