Eddie Bell is the toast of New Zealand motor racing after his shock overall victory in the opening round of the 2009/10 BNT V8s Championship at Pukekohe Park Raceway today.
Although he is only contesting his second season in the category, he qualified on the front row of the grid for the opening race then scored a win and a second placing in the first two 12 lap races before moving through the field to take sixth place in the 22 lap reverse grid finale – Enough to grant him the round victory.
Second overall was Nelson’s John McIntyre who scored a win and a ninth placing followed by another second in the reverse grid race.
Auckland steerer Andy Booth claimed the final spot on the podium with second, third and 10th placings in the three races.
The win was Bell’s first in the category and the Ford Falcon driver from Christchurch was very pleased.
“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, especially with the next round being at my home track in Canterbury,” he said.
“The team has been fantastic in sticking with me and allowing me to concentrate on the races together with handing me a really competitive car.”
