Woolridge and Skjoldhammer brought home their Ford Ranger in second place in the Production Vehicle fight behind the Toyota pairing of Bevan Bertholdt and Robin Houghton.
The Ford crew were not without their difficulties, having to contend much of the route using only front-wheel-drive. “It was definitely a challenge,” commented Woolridge at the finish. “The route was very wet and muddy but somehow we managed to make it through and clinch the SP title by taking second place in class SP.”
“All in all it’s been an outstanding season for us,” he continued. “We have achieved a 100 percent finishing rate in our maiden season emphasising the durability and reliability of the Built Ford Tough Ranger.”
Navigator Kenny Skjoldhammer was similarly optimistic about the teams progress throughout the year. “It’s been an outstanding season for us. Starting the year with new car and a new team we wouldn’t have imagined that we would be able to finish in every event we competed in and claim the SP title. Both Neil and I would like to extend our gratitude to everyone involved.”
Rob Gurney and Graeme Stainbank in the sister SP Ford Ranger had a tougher time of it as they were forced into retirement with electrical difficulties.
“It is disappointing to finish the season like this,” commented Gurney. “However overall we have had a great season and made a lot of progress especially since we entered the SP class mid-way through the season. We are now looking forward to challenging at the front of the field in 2007.”
Regular class E contender Manfred Schroder had to sit out the Carnival City event after breaking a collar bone in the run up to the event. Luckily Schroder had already clinched the Class E drivers championship title at the previous round of the series.
Jack Peckham, previous navigator for Manfred, took over driving duties for Schroder while Ward Huxtable continued doing duty in the navigator’s seat. The pair had a faultless run taking a comfortable class E victory, while Huxtable claimed the navigators title in the process.
“It was a great opportunity for me,” explained Peckham. “We had a great run, although we did manage to get stuck in the mud. Luckily sportsmanship prevailed and we were towed out and able to carry on and take the win.”
“It’s been a near perfect season for us,” continued Huxtable. “We have had virtually no mechanical failures this season to speak of and hopefully we can carry that momentum forward into next season.”
The team would like to thank Ford, Rockford Fosgate, Time Freight and Harden Auto for their continued support. “Without the support of our sponsors we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we have this season. We’re delighted to have taken the SP and E Class championships. Next year we will be going all out to challenge for the overall title and put Ford at the forefront of Off Road racing,” concluded team leader Neil Woolridge.