Fans defy downturn as they roar into V8 Supercar round

The fifth round of the V8 Supercar Championship takes place this weekend at Hamilton amid speculation  the economic downturn may effect spectator  numbers.
Downturn or not the scene is set, the street circuit looks terrific and the event is complemented with the numerous big screens, bars, sound stages, bands and gorgeous scantily clad grid-girls.
Obviously the V8 fans missed the office memo and have flocked to the event regardless of the speculation eager to see, hear and feel  top-level rowdy Ford versus Holden rivalry.
Taking a look around yesterday, I would have to admit there is a little more room to move and I can get to where I want to go a little easier. But come today  and I expect there will be a swelling of numbers in time for the first of the two big races - and same again tomorrow.
After some repricing in order to encourage the public to return to Hamilton, the promoters have sold more than  90,000 tickets and are expecting to hit the 100,000 mark over the three days.
Encouragement for heading to Hamilton comes in a number of forms, including a strong start to the season from the series' youngest competitor, Auckland driver Shane van Gisbergen. He is New Zealand's best chance of a win at Hamilton after his three podium finishes so far this season, including placing second at Albert Park in Melbourne.
He  sits fourth in the championship standings, easily the highest placed local driver, with the next best being Jason Richards in 17th.
Last year it was Fabian Coulthard who was the quickest Kiwi in a Ford at Hamilton but having changed to a Holden,  he has not enjoyed the success of last year.
Greg Murphy is  last in the standings after missing the opening round at Abu Dhabi so will  be desperate  to return to his winning ways at his local event.
The V8 Supercars have their first qualifying session today  at 10.30am followed by the top 10 shootout at 11.30 then race one at 3.05pm. Tomorrow  there is another qualification session at 11am and race two at 3.05pm.
Both the V8 Supercars races consist of 59 laps and if Hamilton is out of reach all the action can be seen live on TV3.
Extra entertainment is in the form of the Transtasman V8 Utes where Kiwi drivers battle it out with visiting Aussies as they all thunder around the circuit in their Fords and Holdens.
The headlining support class of the event are the BNTV8s which contest three races.