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Auddino enjoying new era of V8TC

Tony Auddino believes the Kumho V8 Touring Car Series will only get better after the series kicked off a new era at Phillip Island last month.

This year marks the re-commencement of a longstanding relationship as the series returns to its original branding and joins the Shannons SpeedSeries schedule full-time.

Kumho has also re-established its commitment to the category as both the naming rights partner and tyre supplier, while the series itself has made a multitude of changes that has competitors more excited than ever.

In what was a solid outing at Phillip Island, Auddino finished fifth in the outright points while enjoying a weekend-best fourth place finish in the opening race – the 37-year-old fell just short of a podium finish after an exciting battle with Ray Hislop on the final lap resulted in the Victorian missing out on third by just a tenth of a second.

The competitive field was led by newcomer Jude Bargwanna, who dominated the opening two races before a composed performance rewarded Jamie Tilley with the final race win of the weekend.

Despite missing out on a podium, Auddino enjoyed his time at the island.

“Phillip Island was good, there were good things to come from it and it felt like the good old days again,” Auddino said.

“Getting used to the new tyre was the biggest thing, going from a Dunlop back to a Kumho, you had to get your head around that but it was enjoyable to get out there and drive.

“I know my car has the performance; it can do it over one lap but there’s more fine tuning in other cars to maintain the race distance so that’s something we need to work on.”

With the opening round in the books, drivers will now turn their attention to the second round of the season at the Winton Motor Raceway, which will host the fourth round of the Shannons SpeedSeries.

The tight, technical circuit will provide a different challenge for the V8’ and Auddino was feeling up to it.

“I’ve done a fair bit of competing at Winton, whether its testing or racing, it’s a happy little hunting ground for me,” Auddino explained.

“We have always done well and it’s going to be good to get back there to try and maintain the top three in the Kumho Cup, but achieving anything higher than that is still the goal.

“Tony Evangelou is usually my target because it’s apples for apples. It’s easier to judge yourself against similar cars and my focus will to be on pace with him or even beat him.”

The series is one of seven categories in action at the Hi-Tec Oils Race Winton, which Saturday and Sunday’s action to be broadcast via StanSport.

Tickets to the event can be purchased via motorsporttickets.com.au

The Kumho V8 Touring Car Series will take the track at Winton Raceway as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries’ Hi-Tec Oils Race Winton on 9-11 June.