Steve Owen secured the Fujitsu Series title after Race 1
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By Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series 10:58 AM Sun 5 December, 2010
Source: V8 Supercars Australia
Steve Owen clinched the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series in emphatic fashion with victory in Race 1 at Sydney Olympic Park.
The Victorian led Saturday's 17-lap race from start to finish to capture his second Fujitsu Series title with a race remaining.
It was his team, Greg Murphy Racing's first title in V8 Supercar's second tier series.
The title capped a stellar year for the 35-year-old, which included partnering TeamVodafone's Jamie Whincup to victory at the Armor All Gold Coast 600 in October, two weeks after the pair finished runners-up in the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.
“It's a relief for sure,” Owen said when asked his overriding emotion post-race. “It's been a perfect weekend; the icing on the cake of what's been a fantastic year.”
Owen, who scored the Armor All pole position, said he's taken more pleasure from this championship win, compared to his 2008 title.
“Winning in 2008 didn't translate to gaining a drive in the main series, whereas things are looking a lot more positive to return to the top division next year,” the Commodore driver said. “With my enduro role with TeamVodafone going so well, things couldn't gone better this year.”
Owen's main rival for the 2010 Fujitsu Series, David Russell, suffered clutch slip right from the start of the race. This hampered his getaway and made him vulnerable to attack from those behind. Damage from a series of first lap clashes meant the Team Jayco Falcon limped to the finish line in 18th position.
It wasn't enough for Russell to hold onto second position on the points table, with Tim Blanchard moving ahead on the ladder after finishing the race fourth.
Second in Race 1 in Sydney was Bundaberg Red Racing's Nick Percat, from James Moffat. Moffat's Norton 360-backed Falcon charged from 13th to third.
Sunday's race will decide who will finish as series runner-up to Owen. Just 92 points separates Blanchard, Russell, Moffat and Percat in the standings, with the race victory worth 150 points.
Paul Morris came home fifth in bright pink 'The Love Machine' after a thrilling battle with fellow Commodore driver Marcus Zukanovic. The top 10 was rounded out by seventh-placed Daniel Jilesen, Rodney Jane, Aaren Russell and Geoff Emery.
Race 2 is scheduled for 12.25pm Sunday, immediately before the V8 Supercar Championship Series decider.
