Motorsport: Radisich runs hot in first practice

Paul Radisich gave Team Kiwi a great boost yesterday by setting third fastest time in his black Holden in the opening practice for the V8 Supercar races at Pukekohe this weekend.

Fastest was champion Marcos Ambrose, who powered his Ford Falcon round the circuit in 55.813 seconds, well inside the 56.3655s set by Jason Bright last year. Fastest Holden was Steven Richards with 55.8320s ahead of Radisich's 56.8891s.

All the drivers commented on the speed of the new track surface, which has eliminated some of the bumps and raised overall speeds markedly.

"What a start to the weekend," said Radisich.

"The car's on fire. The track is probably a little like it used to be in yesteryear, when it took a fair bit of "balls" to come over the mountain and today is no exception to the rule.

"It really catches your attention and it's really going to sort out the times going back through the grid. I'm really pleased to have a great start to the weekend. It's great for Team Kiwi and our association with Paul Morris Motorsport."

Radisich made special mention of the decal he will carry on his car in memory of New Zealander Louise Teesdale, the Ford public affairs manager, who died last month. The two worked together for many years.

Ambrose was delighted with the new format, which gave the Supercars two hours of practice time yesterday in which to fully test and set up their cars.

"I think the track's fantastic. The circuit's really fast now. With a couple of tyre barriers missing, it's made the track pretty wild and there'll be plenty of action, I can guarantee that."

Behind the top three came former champion Mark Skaife (Holden), Garth Tander (Holden), Craig Lowndes (Ford), Jamie Whincup (Holden), Paul Dumbrell (Holden), Greg Murphy (Holden) and Paul Morris (Holden).

Murphy, winner of the first three rounds at Pukekohe, used only practice tyres for the practice session when others were on new rubber.

"I'm happy with the way things are going," he said.

"Overall the car is fast and consistent."

Of the other Kiwis, Jason Richards was 12th, Craig Baird 27th and Simon Wills 28th. John Bowe, with specially approved replacements for the gear stolen during the week, was 14th.

Baird qualified quickest in the Porsche GT3s, Andy Knight was fastest of the Formula Fords and Daniel Gaunt headed the Toyotas.

In final practice, John McIntyre's Ford was fastest of the New Zealand V8s ahead of the Holdens of Kayne Scott and Andy Booth.

Championship leader Wade Henshaw was seventh.

First race today will be for the Formula Fords at 8.50am and there will also be races for New Zealand V8s, Toyotas, Porsche GT3s and Bridgestone Porsches.

The V8 Supercars will qualify from 11.30am with the top-10 shootout at 12.30pm. The first 36-lap race will start at 3pm.

Tomorrow racing starts at 8.40am with 50-lap races for the Supercars at 12.05pm and 4.30pm.