Skaife smells Shell Series victory
6/11/2001 16:46 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
He has done it again. And in emphatic style.
Just 13-points stand between Mark Skaife and an historic fourth national Touring Car crown.
This year, the 34-year-old Holden Racing Team ace has been composed, calculating and capable. His uncanny ability to keep the points ticking over, with precision driving and unfailing equipment, meant his title defence never really looked vulnerable.
He’s 455-points clear of his nearest rival, Russell “looks like I am going to be bridesmaid again!” Ingall, and needs just 13-points more than Ingall at this weekend’s penultimate round, the V8 International in New Zealand, to clinch the trophy.
The plan is to gather the necessary points in Saturday’s opening 100km race at the revamped Pukekohe Park Raceway, and then “have some fun on Sunday.”
"This is such a fiercely competitive category and it is such a tough title to win that I am not taking anything for granted just yet,” Skaife said, who all but clinched the series with a famous victory on Mount Panorama with Tony Longhurst last month.
“There are any number of potential variables that could go wrong, but if it was to work out the way we want, it would be great to face the last few races of the year without that pressure, and just go out there to enjoy the challenge of each individual race."
His opponent has conceded defeat, admitting the equation looks “depressing.”
“I am just going flat-out for the race win and I hope Skaife gets in a fight with a big Maori and can't drive" Ingall joked.
Skaife said if he can wrap-up the title early he’ll support his teammate, Jason Bright, in his fight to reclaim second in the championship.
A one-two series result for the impregnable factory Holden outfit would certainly be fitting.
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