03 May 2009 / WOOD EARNS A TOP 20 IN WINTON

Dale Wood has scored another top 20 finish in his rookie V8 Supercar campaign, gaining valuable championship points from a strong run at Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria today.

Wood brought his #16 Hi-Tec Oils Holden Commodore home in 18th place today, showing good speed on the softer ‘option’ tyre as well as a consistent run early in the race on the conventional rubber.

Starting from 29th position, Wood climbed all the way up into the top 10 as others pitted, turning in consistent lap times with a long run on the harder tyre.

Wood pitted for the softer tyre on lap 35 while also getting fuel, putting in great speed to pass several cars on his way up into the top 20.

The Victorian now sits 23rd in the points standings after six races, a solid foundation from which Wood can build as he gains experience in the top level in of the sport.

WHAT DALE HAD TO SAY …

Dale Wood - #16 Hi-Tec Oils Holden Commodore:

“It was a strategy race in a lot of ways,” said Wood.

“We were lucky to be able to go into that race with our soft tyres available.

“It was just a case of trying to stay out of trouble in the first few laps. There were a lot of people getting tangled up with each other and I didn’t get to make up the positions I would have liked.

“Unfortunately I had to pit a little bit earlier than expected, because we were at risk of going a lap down.

“All in all it was good to get plenty of racing miles and the Hi-Tec Oils Commodore held together really, really well.

“We had some really good pace when we had the soft tyres on and made back a few positions to came home with a few points again and that's an important thing for us.”

2009 V8 Supercar Championship – Driver’s Standings
After Race 6 – Winton Motor Raceway
1. Jamie Whincup 804
2. Will Davison 690
3. Steven Johnson 573
4. Lee Holdsworth 534
5. Rick Kelly 531
6. Garth Tander 504
7. Craig Lowndes 501
8. Shane Van Gisbergen 453
9. Jason Richards 417
10. Fabian Coulthard 414
24. Dale Wood 243

RESULTS: Winton Race Two
Race 6 of the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship Series
1. #888 Craig Lowndes 66 laps
2. #5 Mark Winterbottom
3. #2 Garth Tander
4. #10 Paul Dumbrell
5. #22 Will Davison
6. #18 James Courtney
7. #15 Rick Kelly
8. #24 David Reynolds
9. #77 Marcus Marshall
10. #3 Jason Bargwanna
18. #16 Dale Wood

RESULTS: Sunday Qualifying
1. #1 Jamie Whincup 1:23.1687
2. #5 Mark Winterbottom 1:23.4086
3. #888 Craig Lowndes 1:23.4127
4. #2 Garth Tander 1:23.4277
5. #10 Paul Dumbrell 1:23.7023
6. #111 Fabian Coulthard 1:23.7118
7. #33 Lee Holdsworth 1:23.8328
8. #15 Rick Kelly 1:23.8455
9. #22 Will Davison 1:23.8694
10. #18 James Courtney 1:23.9809
29. #16 Dale Wood 1.24.8786

WINTON MOTOR RACEWAY DETAILS:

Circuit: Winton Motor Raceway
Location: Benalla, VIC
Circuit Length: 3.0 kilometres
Format: 33-lap race (Saturday) and 66-lap race (Sunday)
2008 Polesitter: Mark Winterbottom
2008 Race 1 Winner: Jamie Whincup
2008 Race 2 Winner: Will Davison
2008 Race 3 Winner: Garth Tander