Auckland's Andy Booth piloted his new Woodstock-backed VE Commodore V8SuperTourer into third position to make history in the first-ever race in the new V8SuperTourer series.

Having also started in third, Booth, the two-time New Zealand V8 touring car champ, was quick to take the lead from pole-setter Kayne Scott and second-placed qualifier Greg Murphy. Booth then extended his advantage; at one point Booth's lead over Murphy was nearly 3.5 seconds.

"I thought how can I lose?" laughed Booth at the post-race press conference. "Unfortunately I cooked the rear tyres, there was a small electrical gremlin and I couldn't hold them out. But what an amazing day! It's our first day of V8SuperTourers and the concept is now proven. I'm rapt to be on the podium for the first race! With three Holdens on the podium, what more do you want?"

The tussle for the lead between Booth and Murphy was the race highlight, lasting more than a lap around the twisting curves and changing elevations of Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.

"It was fantastic to race beside Murph and Kayne, knowing we can race cleanly.

"Tomorrow we have two longer races - 25 and 35 laps - compared to today's 20. No one knows how these cars will go in the longer races, so it's all new for each team. I'll be working on looking after the tyres as much as possible."

Booth's team-mate fellow Auckland Andr� Heimgartner qualified strongly in the Pink Batts VE Commodore with the seventh quickest time. During the race, Heimgartner, the youngest driver in the field at 16 years of age, was penalised for making contact with another competitor. After completing the prescribed drive-through penalty, the two-time Formula Ford champion had to settle for 16th place in the 16-strong field.

Championship points are awarded for qualifying positions and race results. The top qualifier earns 70 points, the race winner 210, which makes a possible total of 400 points up for grabs at each round. This sees Booth currently third with 219 points, behind Murphy with 273 and Scott with 250 points.

Sunday's schedule sees Booth and Heimgartner on track for two further races - one of 25 laps at 11:40am and one of 35 laps at 2:45pm. Full details of the schedule and spectator options for round one at Hampton Downs is available on the website http://www.v8st.co.nz/, refer to the calendar section for each round's details.