Pedersen takes podium spot in street race

Business student Ant Pedersen had a successful weekend at the inaugural Hamilton V8 Supercar Street race event over the weekend. 

Despite never having driven at a street race before, Mr Pedersen, driving the Volvo Construction Equipment/JA Russell Porsche GT3, carded a very respectable run through the three races after setting the third-fastest time in qualifying on Friday afternoon.

“The weekend was awesome”, says Mr Pedersen. “I’m stoked with the way the event panned out for us. We ran in good positions all weekend and it was a good result for our sponsors, our team International Motorsport and myself to end the weekend on a high.”

For his efforts the 19-year-old ended up on the final podium spot for the round in third place behind championship winner Craig Baird and team mate Jody Vincent.

“There were plenty of positives to take out of the weekend but there was still a few times where a better result went begging,” Mr Pedersen says, referring to the first and second race where in both he had the chance to finish in a higher spot than what he did.

In the first race the young rookie got a poor start dropping back to sixth before fighting his way forward to third. Unfortunately Jody Vincent managed to get his way past, dropping Mr Pedersen back to fourth just as the chequered flag came out.

In the second race Mr Pedersen got a very good start from fourth and held position before muscling his way past Jonathan Lester on lap four. This allowed Mr Pedersen time to set his sights on second placed Mr Vincent which with two laps to go the younger of the two made his move.

“I had a go up the inside of Jody into turn one; unfortunately I just locked the rears and didn’t scrub off enough speed where I should’ve. I had to take to the inside kerb and half spun the car allowing Jody to go past and Australian David Reynolds.

“It was unfortunate as we we’re much faster than Jody but I just didn’t execute the move well enough”, says Mr Pedersen.

Pedersen got another great start in race three from his starting position of third before being passed by Mr Baird into turn two. From then until race finish the positions remained the same with Mr Pedersen coming home again another solid fourth, to place him third overall for the round.

With no more racing for a while, Mr Pedersen’s attention can now be turned back to study for his Bachelor of Business Studies and upcoming exams.

“I think I have a few lectures to catch up on before I’ll be allowed to think about anymore racing!”

Mr Pedersen, who is based in Palmerston North but originally from Rotorua, is the son of successful V8 driver Paul Pedersen. In his first year at Massey he was one of the rising athletes and sport stars selected for the Academy of Sport, which helps students who compete at national and international level with support, mentoring and extra tuition to ensure they can maintain their competitive edge while studying for a degree. Massey University has also provided financial support and is recognised on his Porsche GT3 along with other sponsors.