WPS Racing Make Its Two-Car Debut
25/5/2004 19:45 (Press Release) -
WPS Racing recovered from an inauspicious debut as a two-car team to post a solid opening day in the fourth round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at Hidden Valley raceway in Darwin today.
Team drivers David Besnard and Mark Noske both experienced a disappointing morning qualifying session.
But a blistering start from Besnard in the first of the three-race round saw him climb from 28th on the grid to finish in 19th place.
The result was even more pleasing considering it was a 17-lap sprint, minimising the prospect of climbing through the field, and Besnard’s Ford BA Falcon experienced extreme engine problems.
After just two of the 17 laps were complete Besnard's engine temperature climbed alarmingly and threatened to force him into the pits.
However, a mid-garage conference between his team managers and engineers resolved to leave him on the track for the duration of the race.
By the final lap his engine temperature had climbed to 145 degrees, about 40 per cent higher than its expected maximum.
Compounding the problem, race officials later declared the car's front axle about 3.5kg underweight and conducted immediate inquiries.
Team representatives advised officials the problem was due to the leakage of coolant from the engine, which in turn led to the overheating problem.
The matter was debated trackside before officials decided to call a hearing on the matter for 8am Sunday.
Besnard was nevertheless pleased with his car’s general performance.
“I got off to a flier and that set me up for a good race,” said Besnard.
“The changes we made to the car after the qualifying session really worked well.
“We have made definite gains in horsepower but then we had the engine problem and that robbed me of the gains and restricted me from chasing a better result.”
Team mate Mark Noske, who was making his season debut after WPS Racing received approval on Thursday night to operate a second car in the series, made gainhs in the afternoon race.
Noske had performed strongly in practice but had a disappointing qualifying session and was forced to play catch up with the field in the afternoon race.
He finished the first race in 27th position and is continuing to make adjustments to his car to extract optimum performance.
“Qualifying certainly didn’t go to plan but we can still make a weekend of it,” said Noske.
“It was a huge relief just to get into the race but it was a frustrating day.
“You can’t just jump into this sport and expect results on day one but I can tell you it is better being a frustrated driver than a frustrated spectator.”
Noske has been forced to sit on the sidelines for the first three races of the series while WPS Racing team owner Craig Gore negotiated the purchase of a second license.
He said he learned from the experience and gained a greater understanding of the tactics and pressures on the team.
“From that respect it was a good experience but I’m now keen to work with the guys, improve our car and ensure we finish some races to get points.”
Release Date: 22/05/2004
WPS Racing
|
|
