Strong
finish completes a memorable race weekend
Press Release
Richo and Paul wrapped up their successful weekend in Tasmania with commendable results in Sunday’s two races. The countdown to Race 2 was blessed with a dry track and sunny weather, shining in stark contrast to yesterday’s tyre gamble and unpredictable skies. Richo was keen to improve on second position, and readied for the race with his sights set on a start quick enough to nudge him into the lead.
Engines roared into life for the opening of Race 2 with Richo quick off the grid, but unfortunately his efforts didn’t clinch the lead for the #24 Commodore.
The opening lap was not without incident, with dramatic tangles giving the safety car an early run. The field bunched behind the safety car whilst debris was cleared and damaged cars limped back to the pits. Thankfully, Castrol Team Perkins Racing steered clear of drama and continued the solid run of both cars.
Richo finished the race in 2nd position and recorded the fastest lap of the race with a lap time of 0:52.3600. Paul made a repeat performance of yesterday’s commendable drive to finish once more in 6th.
Race 3 tore away from the grid with another great start by Richo, who challenged for the lead in the dash for turn one, but had to fall back and grudgingly accept second to await the next opportunity to pass.
Richo’s battle for the lead was stalled by a spin in the late stages of the race.
“I was avoiding a car that was stationary. Then I had to drive out in the marbles and there’s no grip there.” Richo said.
Down but not out, Richo brought the car safely home in 4th position. Paul was not far behind and passed the finish flag in 11th position after another admirable run.
Skilful engineering on behalf of the Castrol Team Perkins Racing crew paid off in today’s two races, with neither car losing form throughout conditions that got the better of some.
“The tyres were no problem at all.” Richo said, “The brakes stood up well with no big problems. With the fact that we finished second today we probably had better brakes than most. The brakes weren’t an issue today.”
It’ll be excitement right down to the wire in two weeks at Phillip Island as the dash for critical Championship points goes into the last races of the year. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, drivers will throw everything they’ve got into the fight for the podium. Richo will be a top contender at Phillip Island with both man and machine completing the Tasmanian round in winning form.
“The car’s got very good pace. We’re pleased with the way it’s going and we hope that we can do a similar job at Philip Island.” Richo said.