Radisich wins wet track thriller

Paul Radisich wrested the BNT NZ V8s series lead off Kayne Scott with a brilliant drive in the wet second heat at Taupo today.

The double World Touring Car Cup winner led from start to the finish in the HPM Ford Falcon, and resisted strong late-race pressure from reigning champion John McIntyre (BP Ultimate Falcon).

In a race declared wet, requiring drivers to run treaded rain tyres, Radisich fought off initial attacks from Andy Booth’s Big Ben Pies Holden Commodore and then steadily opened a gap that got as big as six seconds.

But as the track dried, McIntyre fought his way through the pack after initially losing ground.

He worked his way through to second place, systematically picking off rivals, including race one winner Kayne Scott (Fujitsu Falcon) and Australian David Besnard in the Pak ’n Save Ford.

Also on the move through the field were Australia-based Kiwi Craig Baird (United Video Falcon) and Angus Fogg who had started his LG Electronics Ford form the back of the field after being slapped with a 50-second penalty for a race one incident.

As the race passed the 10-lap mark, McIntyre poured on the pace, shredding Radisich’s lead and getting to within a second of the yellow Falcon.

He had a look in the sweeper, but Radisich held on and took the win.
McIntyre was second, with Booth a distant third. Then came Baird and Scott, followed by V8s rookie Dale Williams (Falcon) and Development Series champion Michael Bristow.

Fogg finished an excellent eighth.
The third race for the NZ V8s will be run later this afternoon.