While he’s consistently been running within the top three at previous shows – leading his opening meeting at Valvoline Raceway before retiring and running second at Gilgandra Speedway before blowing his left-rear tyre, he hadn’t yet been able to greet the chequered flag in first place – until the weekend.

Qualifying on pole position for the feature race after scoring a pair of runner-up finishes in his two heats, the Muswellbrook-based racer, who is originally from Darwin in the Northern Territory, was brilliantly placed to take control of the lead at the drop of the green flag aboard his NT # 46 The Blue Shed/Endless Engraving supported Panther car, which is powered by a 253 engine.

Finding some moisture on the bottom of the track in the early stages of the 20-lap event, the key for Gutierrez was to hold the bottom line.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing against the competitive field, having endured pressure from Wayne Simpson in the opening quarter. 

In the middle stage, Terry Pankhurst launched an attack on Gutierrez as he attempted to steal the lead, which he briefly managed to do.

But, Gutierrez was quick to retaliate in the following laps to take back his position out in front, going on to claim his maiden win for 2017-18.

“We’ve been consistently fast so far this season, however in the last couple of race meetings we’ve had some misfortune,” he said.

“To be able to put it all together on Saturday night and clinch the victory is satisfying.

“The track was quite slick, which really worked in my favour as it gives the 253 engines a chance to keep up with the more powerful Chevs. 

“The car was great all night, so I have to say a big thanks to my crew man Col Goodhew for all of his hard work on it.”

Making the move from Darwin to Muswellbrook five years ago, Gutierrez brought with him the ex-Mark Lincoln 2011 Australian Title-winning Panther car he had purchased 12 months earlier, but spent a season on the sidelines prior to getting back into racing, while settling into a new job.

Having raced numerous classes over the years back in the Northern Territory, his career highlights include winning multiple feature races in NSW, which is highlighted by taking out the Gary Bourke Memorial two seasons ago at Valvoline Raceway.

For the rest of 2017-18, Gutierrez will continue to race throughout NSW and plans to participate in the Australian Title at Ballarat’s Redline Raceway (Vic) in January, along with the Victorian Title. 

He will also return home to the Northern Territory to contest the state title.

For his next appearance, Gutierrez will head to Valvoline Raceway on Boxing Day evening, December 26, where he’ll hope to continue his winning form. 

He would like to thank the following 2017-18 season sponsors, The Blue Shed and Endless Engraving, while special gratitude goes to his fiancée Lisa Williams, Col Goodhew, Vicki Taylor and Todd Keaton from The Blue Shed.