Ellery's top drive for ninth in NZ.

Super Cheap Auto Racing's Steve Ellery has produced another great drive to finish the first race at New Zealand's Pukekohe Raceway in ninth place.

Starting from 20th on the grid Ellery took advantage of a well-timed pit stop and some strong overtaking to rise 11 places before the chequered flag was waved.

"Today was good, it was a good day," a pleased Ellery said. "I think I was definitely called in to pit at the right time, Wally [Ian Walburn, my chief engineer] got it spot on.

"With the rain forcing everyone in early we knew the two-car teams would be delayed.

"We picked up a few places this way, some drivers spun themselves off the track and we were smart. But at the half way mark of the race I was able to pass fairly easily, I've been told that I was one of the fastest on the track.

"I got past [Paul] Weel, [Simon] Wills, [John] Bowe, [Brad] Jones and [Glenn] Seton relatively easily. I feel that this ninth placing put us where we should have been in qualifying, we deserved this result.

"It's been a very satisfying afternoon."

Ellery made a cautious start in the rain, intent on getting through the first couple of corners unscathed.

"I couldn't see a thing at the start, it was very difficult," Ellery said. "In these tough conditions you expect there to be some carnage, especially going into the first turn, this happened today and I was able to steer clear of it.

"I needed to make a clean start, if I could do this I thought there was an opportunity to move up."

Ellery described today's effort as one of his more impressive drives.

"I went out there today just trying to do my best," Ellery said. "After making it through to the top-ten I then concentrated on chasing down Mark Skaife and Rick Kelly but I got to the stage where I knew I wouldn't be able to catch them so I backed off.

"The changes made to the Ford really improved it, I have a very good race car.

"I really wanted to give something back to the team for all of their efforts over the last two weeks.

"The best thing about this result is that it has set up our Sunday, we've got two races tomorrow and we're starting a lot higher up the grid.

"The aim is the top-ten as I've been saying all weekend, this is much more attainable now.

"Regardless of the weather conditions tomorrow I'm confident that we'll again be competitive, I think that we're in pretty good shape."