Lockwood Extends Series Lead in V8 Challenge Cup

Tasman Motorsports Group Development driver, Matt Lockwood has maintained his series lead in the V8 Challenge Cup after round two at Manfield over the weekend.

Weather played a major role over the three races in what turned out to be a tough weekend for the driver of the PlaceMakers Ford Falcon.

Mixed track conditions during qualifying saw Lockwood qualify on the front row for Race one.

“We had plenty of pace in the opening laps of race one, however we got caught out with a ‘river’ running across turn 1 which made it tricky under brakes, I went in a little deep, making minor contact with another competitor and spinning him, earning me a drive through penalty. The penalty hurt our race result, finishing eighth, although we did get the fastest lap of the race which earns points,” said Lockwood.

Race 2 saw Lockwood starting from the rear of the grid and came through the field to the lead and to win the race by 7 seconds.

The third and final reverse grid race saw Lockwood start from second place, however was pushed off the track at turn one by another competitor, pushing him to the back of the field.

Regaining back second place, the race was red flagged due to heavy rain making the track almost un-driveable.

Lockwood says the weekend was tough, but he was pleased to finish without any damage to his car and to extend his championship lead.

“We won the round and extended our lead which was a nice surprise given the way things unfolded. It was a tough weekend and had to really fight for it having to come from the back in every race. But to come away with a couple of minor scratches on the car and some good points it turned out well.

Lockwood now has a 374-point lead in the series over his nearest rival.

The next round of V8 Challenge Cup is at Hampton Downs, June 1-3.