Photo Credit: Tayler Burke
Jake Stoneman won the final race of the weekend at Manfeild in the RYCO 24.7 V8 Ute Racing Series. Although, what was a seemingly comfortable lead early on turned into a tense last-lap battle between himself and championship leader Paul Manuell.
Stoneman led off the line whilst Collinson made an opportunistic move on Manuell heading into turn one, although Manuell would regain that position on the next lap.
Geoff Spencer, Andrew Porter and Simon Ussher came together on the approach to the second corner, which put both Porter and Spencer out of the race. This led to an altercation in the pits between Spencer and Porter.
As the race settled down, Manuell set his sights on race leader Stoneman.
Greg Kroef hit strife after locking up heading into turn one, sending him into the wall. Thankfully, he managed to get back on track and resume racing.
Heading into the final lap, Manuell had cut the gap down to half a second. Heading down thae back stretch, Manuell was on Stoneman’s bumper, lining up for move around the outside of the final corner. But the lack of grip on the outside saw Manuell slide wide, leaving Stoneman unopposed on the run the flag.
Stoneman emerged the victor, with Manuell second and Collinson in third. Manuell will be the man to beat heading into the final championship round at Hampton Downs.
Race three results
1. Jake Stoneman – Ford
2. Paul Manuell – Holden
3. Glen Collinson – Ford
4. Simon Ussher – Ford
5. Peter Ward – Holden
6. Brent Main – Ford
7. David Lowe – Ford
8. Liam Porter – Ford
9. Roger Nees – Ford
10. Paul Fougere – Holden
11. Greg Kroef – Ford
DNF. Andrew Porter – Ford
DNF. Geoff Spencer – Holden
DNS. Stu Monteith – Holden