R6 RACE 1 – Skaife on target for six straight
30/6/2002 1:06 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Mark Skaife’s relentless championship challenge continued in the West this evening, taking out the opening leg of the VB 300.
Skaife’s invincible form – today’s easy win from pole is his 11th race victory of the season – has him firmly on track for an historic sixth successive round win. And he further extended his imposing championship lead over second-placed Todd Kelly by 38 points.
Skaife followed the script: lead into the first corner, pit for fresh rubber early, and when all is said and done in pitlane emerge in the lead to cruise to a comfortable victory. It’s getting monotonous.
Jason Bright and Greg Murphy filled the minor places for an all-TWR podium. Murphy came from 12th on the grid after a disappointing qualifying performance.
Indeed, a number of top-line drivers saved face after sluggish qualifying results to put themselves back in contention this weekend.
Craig Lowndes’ storming drive was the best of them, charging through the field from 18th on the grid to finish in the top five.
"Our car was not great in qualifying, but it quickly proved to be very good in the race," Lowndes said.
"This is only the first of three very hard races this weekend, so if we can keep on improving I'm sure we're with a shot of taking at least a race win."
Marcos Ambrose said he “got out of jail” with a drive from 16th to claim seventh.
The inexperienced Max Wilson again failed to capitalise on his sensational qualifying pace, falling from third to 13th.
Steven Johnson, who started last on the grid after a dismal qualifying run, was the race’s only retirement with chronic electrical problems on lap 24.
"This round has been a bit of a disaster so far, but I guess the only way is up!"
Two more races are scheduled for tomorrow, but every indication suggests a repeat result.
Race one results:
http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results.cgi?30/06/2002.BARB.R1
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