Kroef Narrowly Outpaces Collinson in Tereronga Thriller

Over a hectic weekend that delivered increased track time for the V8 Utes, Brad Kroef emerged as the Round Four winner, narrowly outclassing Glen Collinson—both driving Ford FG Utes. Throughout the four races, the field showcased numerous intense battles, making it one of the closest weekends of racing so far.

After Kroef secured pole position on Saturday, Collinson claimed the first race win, with Kroef finishing in 4th. This set the stage for a decisive Sunday.

Race Two featured a reverse grid format. Despite starting near the back, Kroef emerged as the winner, followed by Blair Gribble-Bowring. Collinson made early contact with Phill Ross, deflating a tire and slowing his pace. The race was also marked by numerous incidents, as the drivers in the 12-ute field pushed their limits. By the end, Gribble-Bowring trailed Kroef by just 1.248 seconds. Further back, veterans Simon Ussher and Greg Kroef were separated by only 0.8 of a second. Rookie Dave Robb in 6th held a slim 1.1-second advantage over Bruce McRae. Off-track excursions for Paul Fougere, Ussher, and Daniel Ludlam added a liberal dusting of Southland sand to the circuit.

Race Three followed a more conventional format, with the fastest utes up front. Kroef led for several laps, with Collinson close behind. Kroef held his position until a rare mid-race misstep saw him run wide on the final turn, allowing Collinson to take the lead. Collinson won by a slender 0.306 of a second over Kroef, highlighting the intensity of their battle. Late call-up Jake Stoneman, driving Monty’s Trade Depot Holden, completed the podium in 3rd.

Race Four’s grid positions were determined by a ‘marble draw,’ placing Ross at the front, followed by a steadily improving Gribble-Bowring and Collinson. Ross held his nerve and the lead, with Gribble-Bowring’s engine giving out mid-race, resulting in a non-finish. The marble draw put Kroef back in 6th, but his relentless driving propelled him to 3rd by the race’s end, just seconds behind Collinson. Geoff Spencer also made a significant leap from 10th to 5th. The intense racing took its toll, with Gribble-Bowring’s engine not the only casualty. The Napa Auto Parts Holden of Fougere developed a diff oil leak, also resulting in a non-finish.

The action-filled Southern Thunder weekend was enjoyed trackside by a healthy turnout of Southland race fans. Now, after the long drive back to the North Island, attention turns to the final showdown at Hampton Downs in May.

Header Image: Dillon Photography