Streets Of Adelaide A Tough Debut For Tasman Motorsport
16/3/2004 17:37 (Press Release) -
With just one practice day and three short “practice” races behind them, new V8 outfit Tasman Motorsport expects a challenging debut at the Clipsal 500, held on the streets of Adelaide.
The Clipsal 500 circuit is notoriously punishing on both cars and drivers, but Tasman Motorsport driver Jason Richards said he felt the team was well prepared for the rigours of two 250km races this weekend.
“We might actually have a bit of an advantage over a few people, we’re taking a car that’s a proven package whereas many others are still getting used to new equipment,” he said.
Richards said he would appreciate having a well-sorted car after last year having a major accident at the high-speed Turn 8 during qualifying which forced him to start from the back of the grid.
“It was a pretty big hit, the car wasn’t as good as I’d have liked and I struggled all weekend,” he said. “I like the Clipsal layout and finished 14th there in my first season, so I’m really looking forward to racing this week.”
He said the team had taken several important steps forward in the three support races run at the recent Australian Grand Prix meeting.
“I’ve had to get used to a different car, but late in the Grand Prix weekend we found a significant improvement that means the car is much more conducive to my style, and we’ve also sorted out a brake package that I’m much happier with,” he said.
“There’s a lot of improvement left in the car still, and I’ve got a great dialogue with my race engineer, Wally Storey, who is mighty impressive in the way he knows what I want and what is lacking in the car.
“The aim this weekend will be to keep our nose clean and keep moving forward, as we did at the Grand Prix. If we can do that, I believe we’re a good chance for a top 10 finish.”
Release Date: 16/03/2004
Tasman Motorsport
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