Backing up at Barbagallo key to growing Series lead

Dave “Sideways” Sieders will be looking to draw from his round win last year at Barbagallo Raceway to maintain his lead in the Australian V8 Ute Racing Series, when round two hits the track in Perth this weekend, 16-18th May 2014.

Holding a 17 point lead in the Series, after his fourth pole position and third round win at the Series opener in Adelaide back in March, 29 year old Sieders, from Londonderry in Sydney’s West, knows he has a challenge ahead of him in replicating his 2013 breakthrough performance in Western Australia.

“Barbagallo has been a bogey track for me since we’ve raced in the Utes,” said Sieders, “the round win last year definitely got the monkey off our back, but we’re all too familiar with how quickly things can unravel here and we’ll be working hard to stay at the front again”.

“Any lead is nice to have, but we’re only one round in, so it’s not necessarily a sign of where things will be in the final round,” said Sieders, “we’re just focussing on doing the best we can on the track, hopefully do enough to protect the lead and extend the gap if possible.”

The V8 Utes will feature the Formula One inspired three-part qualifying session again for this weekend, which was introduced for the first time at this track in 2013 and yielded Sieders his 10th Series pole position.

“This [three part] qualifying format is definitely unique and definitely enjoyable,” said Sieders, “it was great to take out the first pole position of this format here last year, and I think there is definitely a bit skill needed to make sure you not only make it to the end, but then put in your best time on that third run”.

Sieders will unveil a new major partnership when the V8 Utes hit the Barbagallo Raceway circuit for practice at 8:40 and 11:35am before qualifying at 2:55pm tomorrow, with two races on Saturday at 9:40am and 3:45pm, with race three on Sunday at 12:58pm (all times local / Australian Western Time).

Races will be broadcast on 7Mate at 12:30pm, Saturday, and on Network 7 at 2:20pm, Sunday (Australian Eastern Time – Check local guides).

“It’s always exciting to get back into the car after a break like the one we’ve had, and being where we are in the standings, even more so. I can’t wait.”