Ellery Starts Year In Top 14
4/3/2004 19:22 (Press Release) -
Steven Ellery and the Super Cheap Auto Racing team have battled against heat and dust to qualify inside the top 14 for tomorrow’s V8 Supercar race at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
As temperatures on track reached 43 degrees and the wind blew a thin coat of dirt onto the track, Ellery remained in the top 15 and was placed as high as eighth during the 30 minute qualifying session.
A number of competitors struggled to find speed at the Albert Park circuit, and at the end of the day, Ellery was placed higher than a number of long established V8 Supercar teams.
“Although we were aiming to be in the top 10, I am still really happy to qualify in 14th position. A few of the big name teams will start tomorrow’s race behind us so that is always encouraging,” Ellery said.
“The car’s performance was a little down on what I expected but with that in mind I am quite happy with it. The Super Cheap Auto Racing team will make a few changes to it tonight and hopefully we will finish tomorrow’s race a lot better.”
Ellery cited that above average heat and a slippery track surface were both contributors in today’s qualifying position, with qualifying times overall a second slower than previous years.
“I guess this morning I got a bit of a wake up call and was surprised at how hot is actually was. But I trained really hard in the off season and it paid off this afternoon and physically I felt pretty good,” Ellery stated.
“The track was a little slippery with the wind blowing grass, weeds and dust onto the circuit, and the heat didn’t help much. However, everybody races on the same track, so it isn’t that big a disadvantage.”
Super Cheap Auto Racing Team Manager, John McLean is also optimistic about the team’s position for their first outing of the year.
“Today was the first outing for the year and to be positioned above other bigger budgeted teams is a sign that we are on the right track for the 2004 V8 Supercar Championship,” McLean commented.
Tomorrow’s 10 lap sprint commences at 3.25pm with race one and two on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Release Date: 4/03/2004
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