MOTORSPORT - Lobb set to give it the gas

The Mark Cromie Holden Racing Team and driver Caine Lobb head for the Taupo Motor Racing Circuit this weekend confident to close the deficit between them and the top of the points table in the ENZED V8 Ute Series.
With Lobb showing good pace on this circuit previously at the two A1GP events in open wheelers, he expects to make a good showing this weekend and pull back some ground in the championship as it reaches the halfway point at Round Three.
After two South Island rounds held last month Lobb failed to score points from two out of six races, which has left him down the ladder in the series despite being one of the quickest drivers in the field.
At Teretonga, Lobb in the Holden Commodore NZV8RU rolled to a halt in the final race with an electrical fire and a smoke-filled cockpit. He was later taken to hospital to be checked for any adverse effects from smoke inhalation but was soon released.
With the electrical issue rectified for this weekend's round and the MCHRT Commodore fitted with new upgraded racing suspension, all is looking good for the team and Lobb is confident of a strong weekend for himself and the Whangarei-based Holden team.
The current series leader, Palmerston North's Matthew Lockwood, has been very consistent at the front of the pack and has won three races to date. Lobb will be targeting Lockwood to claw back some much needed points.
"We have a few points to make up after the South Island rounds so I will just have to keep my head down and stay out of trouble this weekend," Lobb said.
The ENZED V8 Utes practiced yesterday, with qualification this morning and first race in the afternoon, followed by two races tomorrow. Full points are awarded for qualification as well as the races with the maximum of 39 for the fastest time and race wins giving drivers the opportunity for 156 points for a perfect weekend.
Lockwood, on 282 points is 87 ahead of the Northland driver. With 156 points up for grabs for the weekend that gap could possibly close very quickly for the fast-paced Lobb.