Bargwanna Pipped From Top Ten Shootout
5/3/2004 15:55 (Press Release) -
Orrcon Racing’s Jason Bargwanna was pipped from a start in the Top 10 shootout in the dying seconds of qualifying for the Netspace V8 Supercar support event at the Foster’s Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne today.
Melbourne-based Bargwanna set some impressive times throughout the day in both the 30-minute practice and qualifying sessions. At one stage in the practice session the 31-year-old was third fastest.
The Larkham Motor Sport team chased for precious tenths of seconds in the setup of Bargwanna’s Orrcon Racing Falcon throughout the sessions and were 10th position as the qualifying session drew to a close. As the chequered flag was being waived Jason Bright elevated himself from 13th to 4th fastest on his final flying lap robbing Bargwanna of a start in the Top 10 shootout.
Although he narrowly missed the top-10 Bargwanna was pleased with his immediate speed.
“We are happy to be where we are, to be so close at making the first top 10 shoot out of the year is great considering the lack of testing that we have done,” said Bargwanna.
“There are three races over the weekend and we will continually improve the car to use these races as test sessions and develop some more speed for when the Championship begins in Adelaide in a couple of weeks time.”
Making his debut for LMS, rookie Mark Winterbottom showed some very promising signs throughout the day.
The 2003 Konica Champion exceeded all expectations during the practice session putting in some very respectable lap times. He carried this pace through to the qualifying session to one be just outside the top 10 at one stage of the 30-minute session.
“Considering this is my first time here and in a brand new car I can’t help but be pleased with how things panned out today,” said Winterbottom.
“Over the weekend we will use the races to continually improve the car and focus on getting more miles under out belt before we head to the Championship opener in Adelaide.”
Team owner Mark Larkham was pleased with the speed shown by both Orrcon Racing drivers.
“Our main focus leading up to this event has been to build cars and I’m confident with further testing we will certainly improve,” said Larkham.
“The initial performance today shows some very encouraging signs for the year ahead.”
Tomorrow the V8 Supercars will compete a 10-lap race around the 5.303km circuit at 3:25pm followed by a race on Saturday (19 laps) and Sunday (10 laps).
Netscape V8 Supercar Top 10 Shoot out
1. Greg Murphy 1:58.977
2. Mark Skaife 1:59.257
3. Jason Bright 1:59.834
4. Marcos Ambrose 2:00.243
5. Steven Richards 2:00.604
6. Garth Tander 2:00.861
7. Rick Kelly 2:00.863
8. Paul Radisich 2:01.088
9. Todd Kelly 2:01.141
10. Simon Wills 2:03.760
Qualifying times
11. Jason Bargwanna 2:00.863
21. Mark Winterbottom 2:02.178
WEEKEND SCHEDULE - AGP
V8 SUPERCARS
Friday, March 5, 2004
3.25pm-4pm - Race 1 (10 Laps)
Saturday, March 6, 2004
12.05pm-12.20pm - Driver Parade lap
4pm-5pm - Race 2 (19 Laps)
Sunday, March 7, 2004
10.35am-11.10am ˆ Race 3 (10 Laps)
TV TELECAST - NETWORK TEN
Saturday - March 6, 2004
10am-5pm (EDST) - 9am-4pm (Queensland)
10am-5pm (EDST) - 9am-4pm (Queensland)
Release Date: 4/03/2004
Orrcon Racing
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