Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series Phillip Island Round Five Race Results

Following three intense races under sunny conditions, Round Five of the Yokohama Ute Racing Series ended with a spectacular showdown between six drivers during the final race at Phillip Island today. Hustling his way to a round victory was Ex-NRL Sydney Roosters star Jack Elsegood, followed closely by Melbourne 's Marcus Zukanovic in second and two time champ WPR's Damien "Ice" White in third. "The Utes were the highlight of the racing weekend, attributing to a double in crowd numbers since our last round at Phillip Island " said
Peter Nelson, President of Phillip Island Auto Racing Club.

"Rubbin' is racing - and more than a couple of coats of paints were exchanged between White, Marcus and the Coopers Pale Ale Ford during the final race," Elsegood said. "Winning is always more satisfying when you pull into the pits with a few bumps, that's when you know there has been
a good battle."

Race one saw ten drivers come in under the Phillip Island lap record with Marcus Zukanovic current series leader claiming the new record on
his home track.

"It's been a fantastic weekend overall with second in both Commodore Cup and the Yokohama V8 Ute Racing Series. I'm a little disappointed I couldn't take out the win on my home track but all in all I'm extremely happy with the results. By maintaining a consistent gap in the overall
points I have concreted my position as series leader."

Elsegood and Zukanovic tied on points for the round, with the Sydney
driver taking the trophy by winning the final race.

In race one, Ashley Cooper and Mathew Kingsley had stand put performances, however Zukanovic won from pole, with Elsegood and James Small finishing second and third. Holden frontrunner Grant Johnson had a mid race off which dropped him back to 11th, while James Brock's
Commodore suffered electrical problems.

In race two, Warren Millett and Denis Cribbin both suffered from power steering issues whilst Matt O'Grady, Benn Dunn and Ashley Cooper had
tyre and wheel issues.

Kanga Loaders driver Yanis Derums received a drive through penalty for jumping the start, while Damien White went on to win from Zukanovic and a rapidly improving Mathew Kingsley in the Action Tyres and More
Commodore.

Melbourne driver James Small received a post race 30 second penalty
after an incident mid race with Kim Jane.

Race 3 saw Zukanovic and White start off the front row, with the Unior Tools Ford leading the first few laps until Zukanovic missed a gear coming on to the main straight allowing White and Elsegood through. The race long battle between the top six was a cracker with Elsegood finally getting the win from Johnson, White, Zukanovic and an in form
Charlie Kovacs.

The PGF Drive of the Day award went to James Brock who gained 12 places in Race Two with Matthew O'Grady taking out the Sonax Premium Car Best
Presented award.

With the conclusion of Round Five, Zukanovic has strengthened his overall series lead to 486 points, whilst the heartthrob Hustler remains at a close second with a consistent 25 point difference. Johnson has held onto third place in the series standings but to his regret has
dropped 19 points.

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