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[BOATS] Another podium for BTS Racing
by Sean Henshelwood
(Archived)
Another podium for BTS Racing
Rnd#3 2009 Continental Tyres Australian Superboat Championships
Lake Wynagna, Griffith, NSW
10-11 April, 2009
Coming off a solid performance at the second round of the Continental Tyres Australian Superboat Championships at Temora a fortnight before Easter, Rohan Smith was full of enthusiasm and hope that the third round of the series in Griffith might provide him even more forward momentum..
“The boat spent the majority of the fortnight between Temora and Griffith at Moe Engines with Brian Cassar to see if we can’t find that little bit extra we’re looking for to catch Nathan [Pretty] and Slade [Stanley],” Rohan confirmed.
Whilst no stranger to Griffith, Rohan was quickly on the pace, setting top five times from the opening qualifier.
“Feels good,” he smiled at the close of Friday’s opening qualifiers. “We’re where we want to be at this early stage, I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve for Saturday night when it starts to cool off, so we’ll just keep fine tuning till then..”
As he predicted, Rohan’s pace improved through the final qualifiers, the former champion classified third for the finals, but still off the pace of the top two. World champ Nathan Pretty held the top spot with a 37.550 just clear of nemesis Slade Stanley (37.741), whilst Rohan was comfortably clear in third (38.812).
“They’re really pushing the envelope up front, I’m pushing but I’m not prepared to go that hard – it’s not the finals either, so I’ve still got some in reserve.”
Brooke Dixon was first out in the top ten, the round two winner setting a stunning benchmark of 38.620, well over a second faster than her previous best. Round two third place getter Tremayne Jukes was next, but he couldn’t top the mark. AUS #2 Greg Mercier came close, falling just four one hundredths short..
The pressure was on.
Under lights and with the cool air playing into his hands, Rohan dug deep. He was up by a fraction of a second at the first split. There was a collective holding of breath in the pits as the BTS Racing crossed the line; 38.540. He’d top qualified.
With Pretty and Stanley yet to come, Rohan’s thoughts turned to Ted Sygidus, the opening round runner-up showing this season that he’s capable of anything; he was next. Six one hundredths off at the first split, Ted fell away over the rest of the lap; that all but put Rohan into the final, but as was the case at Temora, anything can happen..
Fortunately though for Stanley and Pretty, anything didn’t, the pair joining Smith in the final for a battle royale..
Rohan was first out in the final three, and it was clear he was on a mission. An 11.935 spilt at the first marker well up on his previous best. To the line he’d improved again – 38.228, but would it be enough..
Stanley was next out, and the Griffith course designer didn’t disappoint, the series points leader turning in a shattering 37.019, the fastest time of the night. In the end, try as he might Pretty was unable to top the timesheets, but he did manage to overcome Smith.
Despite being so close, Rohan was all smiles afterwards having gained more valuable series points.
“Those guys are really on their game at the moment, and pushing the absolute limits. I’m not prepared to go that far just yet, but I’m pleased that we’re now within reach of them, but also comfortably clear of the chasing pack. We’ve now got a bit of a breather in the points, but we’re not giving up, we’ll be right on them at Cabarita, and if either of them slip up again; we’ll be there..”
The BTS Racing team now enjoys a break before the next event – the opening round of the Queensland Championships set down for Cabarita (near Tweed Heads) on June 6-7. The penultimate round of the Continental Tyres Australian Superboat Championships will be held at Maryborough (Queensland) on September 5-6.
You can catch all the action from the 2009 Continental Tyres Australian Superboat Championships on SBS Speedweek and FOX Sports 'Inside Speed' (check local guides and keep an eye on www.v8superboats.com.au for dates and times).
BTS Racing are proudly supported by; Bearing & Transmission Supplies, Starlite Powder Coating, Complete Welding Hire & Sales, Pura Metals and Valvoline.
2009 Continental Tyres Australian Superboat Championships
International Group A (drivers points after Rnd#3 of 5)
1. Slade Stanley/Vanessa Wright (140), 2. Nathan Pretty/Austin Gill (135), 3. Rohan Smith/Owen Dyball (116), 4. Ted Sygidus/Kelsie Gill (106), 5. Tremayne Jukes/Ruth Webster (95), 6. Brooke Dixon/Leanne Rake (91), 7. Greg Mercier/Dorinda Mercier (81), 8. Robert Colman/Shane Stewart (77), 9. Darek Sygidus/David Gill (48), 10. Daniel Walton/ Brad Nicolson (37), 11. Mick Manini/Athena Dickson (28), 12. Simon Zarb/Peter Keep (18), 13. Greg Harriman/Adam Doyle (17), 14. Tony Whalan/Adrian Kemp (15), 15. Brendan Donnelly/Tyson Allen (10), 15. Shane Loughnan/Joe Manganaro (10), 15. Darren Watkins/Brad Saibura (10), 15. Damien O’Leary/Carly Nappa (10), 19. Rodney Krause/Kristy Hamilton (6), 20. Kevin Laugesen/Tiffany Parratt (5), 21. Kieran Krause (5)
www.v8superboats.com.au
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