Big boyz toyz

WOLLONGONG Performance Racing (WPR Racing) have packed up their V8 Utes for the year and are now heading to Phillip Island for their first hit out in the V8 Supercars.

The step up to the V8 Supercar (V8SC) Fujitsu Series is happening for the 2007 Championship but in order to make sure that the team and driver Damien White are all comfortable and competitive from the very first round next year , WPR have decided to compete in the final round of the 2006 Championship.

Having built a well established career in V8 Utes, Damien says it is time to make the next step to V8 Supercars.

I understand the enormity of the challenge for next year, so to be able to get some time in the car and work on what we need to do as a team is really importantsaid Damien.

Whites much anticipated race in the car is just around the corner and he says he cant wait.

I have wanted to have a full time drive in V8 Supercars for such a long time; I cant wait to jump behind the wheel of the car in just a few days time, he said.

Phillip Island is one of my favourite circuits.

Its a fast flowing 4.4 km circuit that allows the V8 Supercars to clock speeds of up to 270 km/h down Gardner straight so it will definitely be an experience.

According to Team Manager Gary Carson the Fujitsu series is very competitive so they really need to do this round to place the team in good steed for next year.

We're expecting a hard-hitting weekend of racing as drivers fight for podium finishes for this years Championship, said Gary.

And we are very excited by the opportunity to be involved.

The final round of the series is being run this weekend at Phillip Island in Victoria with Damien and the WPR Racing team having a 20 minute Qualifying session and a 19 lap race on Saturday and another 19 lap race on Sunday.

All results from the weekend can be found on wprracing.com.au after the event.