Spencer aims for a big V8 weekend
One of the most experienced drivers on the grid at the New Zealand Grand Prix meeting this weekend is a Palmerston North racer aiming for his best result of the season, on a track he knows like the back of his hand.
Geoff Spencer has been racing in the V8 ute category since it began more than a decade ago.
Known as ‘‘SOS’’ in a series where all the drivers sport nicknames, he’s clocked up 12 straight years of racing, having jumped straight into the 400 horsepower, 1.8 ton racing ute after learning his racing skills in karting.
‘‘Manfeild is always a fantastic round for me,’’ he said ‘‘It’s little things that give you the advantage over your competitors, like sleeping in your own bed, and having family and friends around you.
‘‘The track is only 15 minutes away from home so it’s very much on my doorstep. I’ve done countless laps there over the years, not just in the national V8 ute championship, but also in club and endurance events.’’
It’s not always been plain sailing for the enthusiastic Holden racer.
‘‘I won a competition to test a Formula First through the Speedsport scholarship and that was my first experience of the track. My first race, however was in a Ford Laser TX3I, and unfortunately I crashed.
‘‘I do love the place though. It’s always challenging for a driver and a very rewarding circuit if you can hook the car up and get your lap right.’’
Spencer will have about 35 people in his camp this weekend, with friends and sponsors joining the regular mechanics for what will be the team’s biggest weekend of the year.
Spencer sits eighth in the title chase for the NZ V8 ute championship.
The Manfeild weekend is the third round in a four-round series and he’s hoping to jump a few places.
‘‘It can be a bit of a challenge with all the guests and friends around, but I like to deliver on the big stage if I can.’’
Spencer has qualifying and one race on Saturday, with two races on Sunday, the day of the 64th New Zealand Grand Prix.