HELLIER TAKES ONE HOUR ENDURO

Ryan Hellier took a comfortable win in the annual One Hour Enduro race held at Manfeild Park over the weekend, winning by a margin of over 24 seconds.

Hellier's run to the chequered was largely unhindered, despite an early threat from Nick Cassidy, who's challenge ended with a broken throttle cable. Two super-fast fuel stops from Hellier's crew also aided the youngster's efforts, leaving him comfortably in the lead throughout much of the event.

Cassidy had set the earlier pace, recording the fastest lap of the race on lap 17. Running the Bryan McConkey-owned Challenge chassis, Cassidy showed impressive car control in difficult conditions until his throttle cable gave way on lap 24, leaving Hellier with a much deserved victory.

In what is likely to be his last race in Formula First, Trevor Kernohan took a brilliant second placing, bringing his Sabre home 24.9 seconds behind Hellier. Kernohan will not be contesting the coming season in Formula First and was thrilled to finish his Formula First career with such a good result.

Another driver to have a superb run was Ben Poulsen. Poulsen's championship season woes seemed to have disappeared for the one hour race, his car running flawlessly throughout. Poulsen's popular third placing was only secured on the very last lap when he passed Graeme Lett to snatch the position from the Wanganui driver.

Lett's run had been solid throughout and it was a shame to see him lose the last podium position to Poulsen after such a good drive. But Lett was none-the-less happy with the result - albeit claiming that he'd let Poulsen through thinking Poulsen was unlapping himself!

Bradley McDonald was the first of the runners to be one lap down, coming home in fifth place.

Dave Scammell finished on the same lap behind McDonald and was happy with his efforts. McDonald and Scammell completed thirty seven (37) laps to Hellier's thirty eight (38).

Next to cross the line was Andrew Vincent, driving his new Selby Allison prepared car. Unfortunately for Vincent, he had encountered a misfire early on in the race which hampered his chances from the outset, although his overall pace was excellent for a new car that is not yet fully developed.

Last across the line was David Ruthven, who had not had a bad race, but had found himself losing most of his time during the refueling stops.

Jamie Gaskin, driving Andre Heimgartner's championship season Sabre chassis, also encountered problems with his car, and although he finished the race, he was several laps down.

Along with Cassidy's DNF, Dave Ayres, driving the Cliff Field-owned Alvee, lasted only four laps before spinning at the approach to the hairpin. Unfortunately for Ayres, the floor of the car was ripped open in the infield mud during the spin, ending the Paraparaumu driver's race.