THE Hawkesbury’s Mick Sieders jumped at the chance to drive a V8 Ute this season, and said it was an unexpected yet amazing experience.
Sieders is the cousin of well known sporting family members David, Luke and Colin.
David won the V8 Ute series in 2016, but only made a few appearances in 2017, with Mick taking his seat, after having helped the Sieders Racing Team over the past few years.
“It was unreal. It was something I had always wanted to do,” Mick said of his year spent racing.
Mick’s season had some ups and downs, but one of the ups was a second placed finish at the final round of the championship at Newcastle.
Sieders said he was fairly consistent all season, and although he was in the top three in the championship at one stage, but eventually finished fourth.
He said his finish was not bad considering his previous racing experience.
“I did some go-karting but I've had no real experience aside form three test days before we raced,” he said.
“My first time driving it was practice at Phillip Island and it was pouring rain and going down the main straight and only being able to see about five metres in front of you was very scary and daunting.
“Once I had a few laps under my belt and a few weekends away I got used it. I was very nervous. I couldn't have breakfast when I was at the track.”
Sieders said it was awesome having David around to provide advice to him during the season.
“The experience he has is unreal. David and his brother Luke were the first ones to help me out and get me up to speed as quick as they could,” he said.
“Our fathers used to race together for many years. David, Luke and Colin all raced and took over the team, and I've helped out with them for about four years and the opportunity came up to do two rounds in the ute. It turned into a full season.”
Sieders said he was potentially going to race in the new Superutes series in 2018, but it was not confirmed yet.
