It’s been three long years since Peter “Gangsta” Burnitt sunk his boot into the firewall of his beloved XR8 Falcon Ute around the wide-open expanses of Philip Island GP circuit, but that all changes this weekend when he lets the CNW Ford have its head.

“I can’t believe I haven’t been there since 2007, the year we made our debut,” recalls Burnitt, “I absolutely love the place so I’m really pumped about going back there after all this time.”
Burnitt is in an upbeat frame of mind and with good reason.

He recently turned around 100 laps at Queensland Raceway as part of a drive day to entertain his guests from major sponsor CNW.

“Spending that much time in the car was definitely a bonus,” he grins, “I feel so good about getting back in for the Island. I know that QR and Philip Island don’t have much in common but half the battle with these V8 Utes is getting laps in and becoming comfortable with it. I feel I’ve definitely gained some ground in that department.”

Burnitt will be joined this weekend by a new team-mate in Gold Coast gas-man Kurt “Gonzo” Wimmer who will drive the second Big Gun Racing entry for the weekend – replacing Brad “Packers” Patton who has family commitments.

“Everyone knows that Gonzo (Wimmer) is very fast no matter where he races,” says Big Gun Head Engineer Joe De Vries, “and Philip Island will be no different. Kurt will add a lot to our program this weekend and we’ll learn a lot from him spending time with us.”

Not long now, until the Big Gun Racing Team attack the Philip Island GP circuit for Round Five of the Yokohama V8 Ute Series, protected by Armor All.
C’mon Pete, “Burnitt” down…