V8 Utes front-runner tests Ingall's V8 Supercar

Nathan Pretty sharpened up his race skills ahead of the final round of the V8 Ute Series, by testing Russell Ingall’s Walkinshaw Racing Supercheap Auto-backed V8 Supercar at Winton Raceway yesterday. Pretty received  the evaluation test as a prize for being the highest placed Holden driver in the 2012 V8 Ute Series, offered by Holden Motorsport Manager Simon McNamara and Walkinshaw Racing.

Pretty is currently third going into the last round of the 2013 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by ARMOR ALL – only 41 points from the ENZED Drivers Championship leader Ryal Harris. Of course, he would love nothing better than to walk away with the title.

“It was nice to do a few laps in the V8 Supercar today and we’ll be doing the same again out here on Friday but in the Ute. We are definitely giving the title a red hot go and doing what we can at attacking Ryal. I’m feeling confident I have the car to do it, we’re just working on getting all our chickens in a row,” said Pretty.

The Victorian has plenty of experience behind a V8 Supercar, with Mount Panorama one of his most accomplished race tracks. He has raced in 14 Bathurst 1000 races, with sixth top ten finishes including fourth with Rick Kelly in 2002. He also won the inaugural Bathurst 24-hour race with Garry Rogers Motorsport in the Holden Monaro, and last raced a V8 Supercar alongside former V8 Ute Champion Warren Luff in 2011. The former Auscar racer and World Jet Sprint Boat front-runner was excited to be back behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar.

“It was good fun, it’s been a long time between drinks and it was good to get the opportunity to jump in the car. I haven’t driven the next generation car before and there are a few differences than the one I drove for so long,” said Pretty.

WR engineer Matthew Crawford was very impressed with Pretty’s ability to steer the car.

“He knows how to drive these cars, it’s just seat time, he still has all of the fundamentals; he’s still releasing the brake properly and is good on the throttle, all he needs is more time in the car,” Crawford explained.

Crawford believes Pretty still has what it takes to drive in the V8 Supercar Series and wouldn’t rule out having him back as an endurance driver in 2014.

“You could never rule it out; we had him back after he hadn’t driven for a while in 2007. He was driving with Glenn Seton and until the last safety car period, they were seventh on the road. He has a lot of experience at Bathurst and that’s what that track commands, you can never say no to anyone these days.

“Today he did exactly what we requested of him. We’ve known him for such a long time, we know he can drive, he just needs miles in the car as that’s what it takes these days to make a quality driver."

Pretty was blown away with the response he received following the test.

“Wow, it’s a big statement and nice to know. They said my driving style hasn’t gone away. It’s the same style I’ve had in the past and it’s nice to see it still works,” said Pretty.

Crawford had involvement with the V8 Ute Series in 2012 when Walkinshaw Racing ran Cameron McConville in the Bundaberg Holden, and will be cheering Nathan on from the sidelines in Sydney.

“Nathan is in with a real shot," he said.

"Ute racing is always exciting to watch, especially around Homebush. Since our involvement, we’ve always kept an eye on the Series and it’s always great to watch."

Pretty will hit the track for the V8 Utes Grand Finale on Friday December six to have his final shot at the 2013 ENZED Drivers Championship.

Harris leads the V8 Utes ENZED Drivers Championship with 782 points, ahead of Rhys McNally on 743, Pretty on 741, David Sieders 706 and a tie for the final spot in the top five, with Kim Jane and Kris Walton both with 681.

Tickets are still available for the Sydney 500 grand finale – the V8 Utes are just one of the exciting support categories racing alongside the V8 Supercars.