Asian Motor Sports

Melbourne driver Steve Owen will replace injured New Zealander Paul Radisich in the HPM Racing team for this weekend’s V8s racing at Pukekohe.

Radisich held the overall lead after the opening round of the 09 season in Taupo early last month, but was seriously injured in a practise crash at Bathurst on October 11.

Still requiring hospital treatment for his injuries, Radisich said the 33-year-old Owen would pose a real threat at the 2.841km Pukekohe circuit.

Paul Radisich receives medical assistance after crashing during practice for the Bathurst 1000. Photo / Getty Images

“While I’ve said to the team not to discount me late in the season, it is important to keep getting winning results and Steve is in a good position to do that.”

With a 255-point lead in the Australian V8 series, Owen’s final championship round in early December leaves him free to run in the New Zealand class.

Owen will test the 777 HPM Racing Ford on Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for his New Zealand touring car debut. His first lap of the south-Auckland circuit will be on Friday when teams get two opportunities to test before the three-heat qualifying on Saturday.

The first race of 12 laps on Saturday afternoon is followed by a 16-lapper on Sunday morning and a full-reverse grid 20-lap race at the end of the day.