Longhurst finds the walls in Adelaide
20/3/2004 7:39 (Press Release) -
Castrol Perkins Motorsport has found out just how unforgiving the concrete walls of Adelaide's street circuit can be when Car #7's Tony Longhurst crashed in second practice.
Tony was 3 laps into the session when he hit the concrete wall going through the infamous turn 1, bringing out the red flag and halting the session. Tony was unhurt in the accident but the same can't be said of the brand new #7 VY Commodore. The Car has suffered major damage to the front with both rails, L/H front upright and suspension all damaged in the accident. The team will be working on the car all night to try and get the car on track for tomorrows race but unfortunately Tony will miss qualifying, putting him to the rear of the grid if the car can be repaired.
"Well that's not how I wanted to start the season I can tell you. I was starting lap 3 and the car felt great but when I went into turn 1 I lost the rear and it put me straight into the wall. I can't tell you how disappointed I am in myself and for the team who has put so much work into this weekend. But the guys will do an amazing job I am sure, and hopefully we will be back on the track for the first race" said Tony
Team Boss Larry Perkins was disappointed with the accident saying " I'm not a happy chappy I can tell you, it was a no excuse crash from Tony and unfortunately the boys will have to work all night to repair the thing, if they can repair it at all"
Car owner Rod Nash was optimistic that the car can be repaired in time for race one tomorrow. "Tony is an experienced campaigner so this is a good example that this can happen to the best of them. Tony admits that it was an error in correction of the car that put it in the wall. This is the price you pay when you race between concrete walls and an accident happens. The car at this stage looks to not have substantial structural damage, and the crew will work all night to get it ready for tomorrow" said Rod.
Steven Richard finished the session in 10th position with a time of 1:23.209, after the session was restarted.
"We made some changes to the car after the first practice session and the balance of the car was great, I just couldn't get a clear lap which was disappointing. The car looks good for qualifying as it really responded to new tyres" Steven said.
Paul Dumbrell finished in 19th position with a time of 1:23.609 and was happy with the session. "We used that session to try and tune the car for qualifying and I think we are going in the right direction so I am looking forward to qualifying.
Marcos Ambrose was quickest in the session with a time of 1:22.681 followed by Steve Ellery with a time of 1:22.681
Release Date: 19/03/2004
Castrol Perkins Motorsport
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