Tasmanian representative Todd Rattray has jumped to fourth place in the 2012 Australasian Young Drivers Championship after winning the fourth heat at Northam (WA) last night. The leader Ellen Tormey (Vic) has 39 points with Ken Rogers (SA) and Kerry Ann Turner (NSW) locked together on 32 followed by Rattray on 31.
Rattray drove a well judged race on Governor Johnny ($9.60) to secure maximum points in the fourth heat. He moved three wide without cover at the 1000 metre mark and worked to the lead with 80 metres remaining. In a tight finish, Rattray and Governor Johnny held on from the fast finishing Governor Art (Zac Butcher NZ).
The series appears wide open after four of the seven heats with nine of the 10 drivers still in contention. As 17 points are awarded for a win, 12 for second and nine for third, a win can result in significant change on the leader board.
Rattray appears to have the job in front of him to maintain or improve his position in the two heats at Narrogin tomorrow night. He will drive VillageCounty(R1 N4) and Nipperinghall (R2 N7).
His best chance of another win may be in the last heat at Gloucester Park on Friday night. Rattray has drawn Rakamaz (R4 N2), who is expected to be one of the favourites following back to back Gloucester Park wins in the last fortnight.
Points after four of the seven heats are:
Ellen Tormey (Vic) 39
Ken Rogers (SA) 32
Kerry Ann Turner (NSW) 32
Todd Rattray (Tas) 31
Bart Cockburn (Qld) 28
Josh Dickie (NZ) 26
Simon McMullan (NZ) 23
Zac Butcher (NZ) 20
Morgan Woodley (WA) 20
Tim Williams (NZ) 13