White's salvage job
4/7/2004 11:54 (Press Release) -
For one fleeting moment it appeared Matthew White’s horror run in the reverse grid Konica Minolta V8 Supercar series races was set to continue at Queensland Raceway today. The twice series runner-up picked his way through the carnage in his Gulf Western Oils/Jayco Caravans AU Falcon to grab ninth place and fifth overall on the day.
Facing a hat trick of reverse grid race DNFs, White went into the event without fear. "The reverse grid race shouldn’t be a problem, surely I’ve had my share of bad luck," White said as he prepared to face the starter.
But things again turned ugly as the KMS reverse grid format lived up to its reputation for producing action packed racing.
After starting near the rear of the field following a solid fourth place in race one, White carved his way through the field to be 16th after three laps when he was caught up in a skirmish that dropped him back to 25th.
"I can’t say too much. It’s under investigation by the stewards. It cost us nine positions but we’ve got a good car and tomorrow’s another day," a surprisingly upbeat White said.
The Victorian based racer showed good pace and is relishing starting from the third row of the grid for the 35-minute race tomorrow.
"The car’s been good and we were able to make up places before and after that little incident. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow."
The day started well for White when he finished fourth in race one. White’s confidence continued to grow as he realised the team had produced a great race setup.
"We may have lacked a bit of drive out of the corners early, but the car was really coming on strong towards the end."
He made a bid for a podium finish on the last lap, eventually deciding on discretion over heroics.
"Lee Holdsworth was struggling towards the end. Andy (Jones) got through at turn 3 on the last lap. I had a look too but I couldn’t make the move stick."
White has been vocal in his calls for change to the reverse grid race format due to the effects of drivers not in championship contention influencing outcomes. He was more subdued today.
The final race for competitors in the Konica Minolta series this weekend will be a 35 minute race tomorrow morning.
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