Aquaplaning took on a whole new meaning at the Timaru Motor Raceway in the fourth round of the MotorSport New Zealand championships when first rain from the north and then from the south resulted in many cars with panel damage.

For Queensland-based Craig Baird though it was a great weekend, winning two V8s races and placing ninth in the reverse grid. Conversely, John McIntyre went home empty handed, seeing a solid points lead slip away after failing to score any points.

On the opening lap of the first race, when only three the drivers elected to fit wets, McIntyre chose slicks and aquaplaned entering the front straight, damaging his car so badly it could not be repaired for racing. A red flag gave all drivers the chance to bolt on their Dunlop wets.

Baird said he was surprised when McIntyre made the mistake that put him into the wall, but it had taken off some of the pressure for points, although there was plenty of competition from Tim Edgell, Eddie Bell and Kayne Scott and he knew McIntyre would be back and firing at the next round at Manfeild.

Drivers put some of the slipperiness down to new seal on parts of the circuit but light steady rain created ideal aquaplaning conditions. While the new seal had improved the surface and helped contribute to six drivers going under the lap record during qualifying when the track was dry, it made it trickier in the wet.

The second V8 race was run in the dry but the third, the reverse grid was declared wet. Former stock car champion Clark Proctor showed his skills in the wet, winning after starting from the front of the grid.

The rain affected all classes, with the Suzukis putting on a strong display in the rain while the Mini Challenge and Production Series were largely able to race in dry conditions. Palmerston North driver Ryan Bailey won the round for Mini Challenge and Simon Sceats (Auckland, Subaru WRX) won Prodction Racing. Consistent driving helped Ben Dallas (Auckland) to win the Suzukis.

It was a busy weekend for the Dunlop motorsport crew and also a special occasion as it was the last race that manager Alastair Corbett would lead the crew prior to his retirement.

The occasion was marked by the sport and competitors with a special presentation on Saturday night.

V8s Points Table After Four Rounds

Craig Baird Falcon 668
Eddie Bell Falcon 555
John McIntyre Falcon 553
Tim Edgell Falcon 524
Kayne Scott Falcon 509
Andy Booth Commodore 494
Andy Knight Falcon 466
Angus Fogg Falcon 440
Andrew Anderson Commodore 396
Clark Proctor Falcon 376


-000-

Caption: Baird shows his mastery in the wet. ProSportMedia photo.