Preview: PlaceMakers V8 Supercars.

The 2006 V8 Supercar Championship Series heads to Pukekohe Park Raceway in New Zealand for round two of the title fight - the newly renamed PlaceMakers V8 Supercars 2006.

For several drivers in the championship, Pukekohe is their home round of the championship. As an event, one man has truly dominated this event - Greg Murphy has won here every year since 2001, the majority for Kmart Racing, save for one exception in 2004 when Jason Bright won the event for PWR Racing. Murphy continued PWR Racing's streak in 2005 when he took victory with PWR's Super Cheap Auto Racing Commodore. Like many circuits with long straights incorporated into the circuit design, Pukekohe's layout is a favourite for Holden teams whose Commodore Supercars seem to have a slight advantage over their Falcon rivals.

As a circuit, Pukekohe is one of the more simple tracks on the thirteen-round V8 Supercar calendar. Seven turns and a top speed of more than 200 kilometres down the back straight are incorporated into the fast and flowing circuit design, however its bumpy surface means car setup is a premium-asset. A good run out of turns six and seven can often set a driver up for a pass down the pit straight as can a good exit from turn four onto the straight and the braking approach to the hairpin.

The race format has been slightly adjusted for 2006. There will now be an increased two and a half hour practice session, a one hundred kilometre sprint race and two longer one hundred and forty kilometre races to conclude proceedings for the weekend.

The second race for the weekend has the historical privilege of being the first reverse-grid race since the now defunct Canberra street race in 2002. With only half points on offer, it will be interesting to see how the faster cars come through the pack in what is already a difficult circuit to pass on. Tyre selection will play a big part in getting through the pack for many teams, but it will be also important for drivers to keep a cool head during the race, with reduced points on offer, passing moves should be realistically attempted and be performed with minimal contact. Already may higher funded teams have had to open the coffers to fund repairs, it is almost certain that most would not be looking forward to reverse-grid carnage this weekend.

As the most dominant driver at Pukekohe Raceway, being dubbed the 'king' of the New Zealand circuit, Super Cheap Auto Racing's Greg Murphy has continued to protest reverse-grid racing at three race sprint rounds, and hopes that he can defend his title at the track by suffering as little damage to his recently repaired car.

"My thoughts on the reverse grid races are exactly the same as most of the other guys - I'm definitely not a fan of them," Murphy said.

"But, they're a part of the championship and you just have to get on with it and race, especially at Pukekohe, which is a race that means so much to me.

"I've got no doubts that the reverse grid races are going to play a deciding part in the championship. I just hope we can get through them unscathed after Adelaide, we can't afford any more unnecessary damage."

After two events so far, (one for points and one not), many teams have worked extra hard to have their cars fully prepared for the Pukekohe round of the championship. Outfits such as Super Cheap Auto Racing have had to repair both chassis after significant damage, whilst others such as the Holden Racing Team, HSV Dealer Team and Stone Brothers Racing have had just the one car to repair.

Championship leaders Team Betta Electrical are strongly poised to challenge for a round win at Pukekohe, after lead driver Craig Lowndes took pole position there last year, and following the strong performances at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide by both he and eventual round winner Jamie Whincup.

"This round marked a new beginning for Team Betta Electrical in 2005 and we will be aiming to reproduce that qualifying performance this weekend," said Lowndes.

"We are confident we can do a good job, passing is awkward so the reverse grids will be interesting and I think we will see two groups emerge, one that attacks and another that consolidate.

"I'm very confident in the ability of the car and the team's handle on the track, after all Craig did have pole here last year, the main thing is to score consistent results and come away with a straight car; hopefully this will help me to maintain my championship lead," said Whincup.

"I'll be looking for a mix of aggression and patience in the reverse grid race, it's obviously good to finish well but race 1 and 3 are most important. There will be a lot of variables this weekend, in terms of weather and car handling, and the driver who can manage all of these most effectively is going to come out on top," he concluded.

Rick Kelly's HSV Dealer Team Commodore has been completely rebuilt following his encounter with the concrete barrier at the Australian Grand Prix. Essentially a new car, Kelly is hoping that his machinery will show the same pace that it did in Adelaide - a performance that netted him second outright.

"The car is basically brand new," said Kelly.

"It is completely rebuilt and prepped for Pukekohe. The boys are really motivated because we are defending second place in the championship, and with the improvements we have made in the engine performance and chassis, we think we are a really good chance."

The Holden Racing Team have been working hard to ensure that Mark Skaife's VZ Commodore would be fully repaired after his double shunt in Adelaide. The HRT team boss has not yet scored a point, however his and teammate Todd Kelly's strong performance at the Albert Park circuit bodes well for a good showing - and possibly a win - at Pukekohe Park this weekend.

"We will still be going as hard as possible in qualifying and the first race where the
majority of points are up for grabs," said Todd Kelly.

"The reverse grid and fewer points in Race 2 means you can take a conservative approach and pick off a few slower guys, and hopefully obtain a good starting position for the run to the flag in Race 3."

Steven Richards and Paul Dumbrell both sit inside the championship top ten and both drove very well at Albert Park, with the former clinching two race wins. The Perkins Engineering prepared cars have certainly gone up a notch during the off season, and at a circuit which has been good to them in recent times, the pair will look to solidify their top ten standing.

Stone Brothers Racing has had a difficult start to 2006. Despite winning the last three championships, the Ford heroes from Yatala are well behind the eight ball this year. An encouraging test session has provided some optimism for the team, as Russell Ingall aims to deliver team bosses Ross and Jim Stone a hometown victory, whilst James Courtney continues to learn the tracks of the championship.

"There is no doubt that an outright win at Pukekohe is one box that Ross and Jimmy (Stone) have not ticked yet and I desperately want to help them achieve that," said Ingall.

"I finished second in every race last year, but still couldn't knock off Murph (Greg Murphy). I thought we had lost the chance to collect a win here when there was talk of running an Auckland street race, but I guess we have just a couple of more chances.

"I would rather get the job done this weekend, than having to wait until next year."

"I know Pukekohe is in New Zealand and that's about it," said Courtney.

"I have been driving the circuit on the V8 Supercars 3 game, so I know when to turn left and right, but that's about it. I am looking forward to a good result this weekend because we did not get off to the best of starts in Adelaide.

"We had a very positive test last week and I am looking forward to putting some of the gains we made into practice on the race track. Obviously it will be important to get as much track time as possible in the practice and qualifying sessions so I can become comfortable with the place."

Opening practice gets underway on Friday with an extended single session before Saturday hosts qualifying, the top ten shootout and the opening race. The first reverse grid race since 2002 will be carried out on Sunday morning before the final sprint for the weekend during the afternoon.

2005 PlaceMakers V8 International - Outright Results
Pole: Craig Lowndes, Team Betta Electrical, BA Falcon
1st: Greg Murphy, Super Cheap Auto Racing, VZ Commodore
2nd: Russell Ingall, Caltex Racing, BA Falcon
3rd: Marcos Ambrose, Pirtek Racing, BA Falcon

Fastest Lap: Greg Murphy, Super Cheap Auto Racing, VZ Commodore - 56.0781s