Socceroo Receives Grand Final Rush at the Creek
4/4/2004 8:37 (Press Release) -
Socceroo star winger Ahmad Elrich received the adrenalin rush of a lifetime at the practice day for the second round of the V8 Supercar Championship at Eastern Creek today.
Elrich, who will play for Parramatta Power in Sunday’s National Soccer Final against Perth Glory is widely regarded as one of the fastest players in the league. Today Orrcon Racing driver Jason Bargwanna ensured he was lightning fast around the 3.43km Eastern Creek Circuit.
Reaching speeds in excess of 200 kmh Elrich was amazed by the car speed and reflexes of Bargwanna as an elite athlete in the V8 Supercar Championship is able to achieve.
“It is one thing to watch the cars on TV but I have never imaged that they could go anywhere as quick as what I experienced today,” said Elrich.
“After only three laps there was sweat pouring off me, it gives you a real appreciation of the fitness levels that the drivers are required to achieve.
“While it was a great day for me today my focus now turns to Sunday for the Grand Final and aim for the victory, I also hope that the Orrcon team can have a great result on Sunday.”
Bargwanna and his Orrcon Racing teammate Mark Winterbottom both had a tough time during the 90-minute practice session this afternoon.
Early in the session Winterbottom suffered a blown power steering seal forcing the Larkham Motor Sport team into another of their lightning fast repair jobs.
Within an hour the team had Winterbottom back on track gaining valuable laps and set up data for the weekend’s event.
“It was unfortunate that we had a problem but once again the guys done a great job to get me back on track quickly,” said Winterbottom.
While on track Winterbottom lacked pace through the slower parts of the circuit and finished 24th fastest in the session.
“The car was good through the fast parts of the circuit but we have still got a fair bit of work to do on the Orrcon Falcon in the slower corners,” said Winterbottom.
Bargwanna suffered a similar fate lacking speed and was right behind his teammate on the time sheets.
“Clearly we have a lot of work to do between now and qualifying,” said Bargwanna.
The V8 Supercars have two practice sessions tomorrow morning followed by qualifying beginning at 1:50pm.
Release Date: 02/04/2004
Larkham Orrcon Racing
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