V8 Challenge Cup driver Matt Lockwood has gained the points back he lost at the previous round at Hampton Downs and now leads the Championship by 336 points after the weekends racing at Taupo.

Lockwood topped both practice sessions for Class 1 of the V8 Challenge Cup on Saturday morning and went on to qualify second behind Hugh Gardiner whilst Hayden MacKenzie was on pole for Class 2. MacKenzie was in his own class for points over the weekend due to his car having upgrades he was still grided as per usual.

Race one saw Lockwood get a great start from grid position three passing Gardiner into turn one before taking the lead from MacKenzie at the end of lap one.

With McKenzie having a more powerful car and competing in a different class, Lockwood held him off for about 4 laps before he made his move under brakes.

“It was a matter of time before Hayden got by, he had a bigger engine, wheels and tyres, which really helped him,” said Lockwood.

Lockwood still managed to get the fastest lap of the race however and crossed the line .4 of a second behind Mackenzie, winning the race for Class 1.

Race two was reverse top five with Lockwood starting off grid four. Again the Placemakers driver had good pace getting the fastest lap of the race, passing Gibson in the middle of the race and Gardiner on the last lap put him 2^nd behind race winner Glen Inkster.

Lockwood started off pole position for the last race. He got off to a great start and ran away with the race win after building a 10 second gap to 2^nd place and setting the fastest lap of the race.

“It’s a great feeling going into the last round with a healthy lead. I have to say a thankyou to PlaceMakers, Colorsteel, my team Stoneman Race Tech, Crunch and Steph.”

Lockwood now goes into the last round of the V8 Challenge Cup at Pukekohe October 27^th – 29^th with a 336-point lead.