Daniel Gaunt Takes Round Win in Valvoline Ford at Ruapuna

Daniel Gaunt Takes Round Win in Valvoline Ford at Ruapuna

Tasman Motorsports Group driver Daniel Gaunt has won the Mike Pero Need for Speed – Round 2 of the BNT V8 SuperTourer championship held at Ruapuna over the weekend.

During Saturday afternoon’s qualifying session, and like Round 1 at Hampton Downs a few weeks earlier, Gaunt qualified the Valvoline Ford in third place with a quick time of 01:23.358, just 00:00.042 behind pole sitter Ant Pederson.

Race one saw Gaunt hold third place for much of the race, until the lead was handed to him after the two leaders had an on track altercation, Gaunt sprinting to victory over the remaining two laps.

Race two then saw Gaunt start off pole, where he remained unchallenged for the entire race, and at times having a 4.5 second lead over the rest of the field.

Race three again saw Gaunt starting from the front, and held position for much of the race before being passed by Ant Pedersen, who went onto win, with Gaunt in the Tasman Motorsports Group Valvoline Ford finishing second.

The second placing was more than enough to secure the round win, the first for the Tasman Motorsports Group team.

Gaunt said the weekend was a great performance for the team, and was a great reward after a disappointing Round one.

“After Hampton Downs, I said we would come back stronger for Ruapuna and we did that. To come here and put on a good show for our group of sponsors; Valvoline, IVECO, AutoTrader.co.nz & Midas, many of whom were here this weekend, it’s a great way to repay their support,” said Gaunt.

“The car was fast all weekend, and it was an absolute pleasure to drive. We capitalised on the mistakes of others in race 1 to take the win, which then helped to set us up for good results in the final two races.”

“Between race 1 and 2, the team made a few changes to the car, which helped us gap the field by a good margin, it was a very comfortable drive out there.”

Team Principal Steve Horne said it was almost a perfect weekend for the team.

“Two wins and a second placing, culminating in a round win is a fantastic result for the team,” said Horne.

“Daniel was chosen to lead this team because he knows how to win, this weekend he proved that again.”

“The Valvoline Ford is one of the top four fastest cars out there currently, we’re seeing that in the qualifying and laps times where the cars are separated only fractions of a second. It will make for a very exciting championship!”

Round 3 of the 2013 BNT V8 SuperTourers Championship will be held at Pukekohe, May 25/26.

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