Fortunes Finally Turn For Ellery
10/5/2004 0:31 (Press Release) -
Steven Ellery has conquered his first challenge in the 2004 V8 Supercar Championship with the Super Cheap Auto Racing Driver recording his first points of the year at the PlaceMakers V8 International at Pukekohe Park in New Zealand today.
But the points did not come without a fight, with Super Cheap Auto Racing beating adversary and repairing the #31 Falcon after an incident during practice on Friday which damaged the right, front and rear panels of the car. All damaged bodywork was replaced in 90 minutes allowing Ellery to participate in qualifying on the same day.
Before arriving in New Zealand for the third round of the 2004 V8 Supercar Championship, Ellery knew the Super Cheap Auto Racing Falcon needed to record points at the end of the weekend to keep in touch with other competitors in Australia’s most prestigious motor racing category.
“After Eastern Creek it was devastating to see huge points gap between myself in 32nd and the guys leading the championship,” Ellery said, “I knew I needed to have points next to my name to ensure I wouldn’t be left even further behind in the championship,” Ellery said.
“While the accident on Friday probably cost me a higher qualifying position which would have been helpful with the sprint race format, everybody at Super Cheap Auto Racing banded together helped me through the three races today.”
Under controversial circumstances, officials at the PlaceMakers V8 International decided to postpone yesterday’s race, opting for a sprint format today which included three races each with 36 laps and no pit stops.
In the first race a hard charging Super Cheap Auto Racing Falcon made up nine positions and as the chequered flag fell was 18th. Ellery gaining most of his ground with a killer start which saw him pass six cars on the opening lap.
In the second race after another solid and consistent opening of the race, Ellery began to climb his way through the field into the top 14 until given a drive through penalty for a passing move on Brad Jones.
Ellery displayed continued stability throughout race three and after starting from grid position 26 the Super Cheap Auto Racing Falcon was 24th at the race conclusion.
While Ellery identifies he still has a lot of work to complete before he catches up to the front runners in the series, he believes the Super Cheap Auto Racing Falcon has the capability to help him build on the results of today and finish the 2004 V8 Supercar Championship in a strong position.
“I still have a lot of ground work to complete, but with the potential the Super Cheap Auto Racing Falcon has shown recently, I know I can do it,” Ellery concluded.
After the third round of the 2004 V8 Supercar Championship, Ellery and the Super Cheap Auto Racing Falcon are in 30th position.
Release Date: 02/05/2004
Super Cheap Auto Racing
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