Waldens looking for change of fortune
14/8/2004 15:25 (Press Release) -
Walden Motorsport will be aiming to make a significant impression on the 2004 V8 Supercar Championship Series when Round 8 begins at Oran Park tomorrow. After entering the competition on a week’s notice in July for the Romano Racing franchise, the Sydney based operation is more than aware of a need to prove themselves.
Team Manager Brian Walden said, “There is a real stigma attached to teams in our position…we didn’t take this opportunity so we could show up to each round, do two laps then go home.
“A lot of people seem to consider us as newcomers, but the reality is that we’ve taken a lot of experienced people from a range of motor sport backgrounds and brought them together with this team.”
With their 2004 debut finish of 22nd position at Queensland Raceway, and recording official times outside the 105% at the last round in Winton, Walden Motorsport will be looking for a change of fortunes when the competition moves to Sydney.
“Our past two results haven’t exactly been flattering…Winton was particularly frustrating and disappointing, with our best times deemed to be completed under red flag conditions,” said Mr Walden.
“We also had a few mechanical problems [at Winton] which have now been rectified…with the new parts installed we should be able to improve our control on the corners and increase our overall speed.”
With a guaranteed start at four of the competitions major rounds remaining for the season, Walden Motorsport still have major sponsorship positions to fill.
Walden Motorsport’s Media and Sponsorships Manager Michael Bryan said, “We’re in an unfortunate position, where we have the experience to be competitive but need support to get the proper results. However, without those results it is hard to find anyone willing to back us”.
“We know that there is someone out there looking for an opening to get their corporate identity into this competition…it’s just a matter of time before our paths cross.”
The team have recently taken time to repaint their Falcon and will be sporting a livery in recognition of one of their minor sponsors, Penrith’s Wilson Accounting and Consulting, who have granted some additional support for this local round.
The team will also be sporting signage for Link International, the Australian distributor of Motul Motor Oil and the most recent company taking advantage of the opportunities with Walden Motorsport.
Link International’s Director Chika Sukane said, “Motul has supported teams which Garth Walden was part of in the past…realising the potential that this team’s experience has to offer, we have great confidence in the future prospects of our partnership.
“Motor sport is also a key market for our product range, and with most other teams already tied up with other major oil companies, this was an opportunity we didn’t want to pass up.”
With only a little over one month until the major endurance rounds of the year, the team is also well aware of the mammoth task ahead of them.
“At this stage there have been a couple of enquiries by interested parties for the co-drive, but nothing has been finalised at this stage…we’re still open to discussion and negotiations,” said Mr Walden.
Oran Park is a significant round for Walden Motorsport with both Team Manager and Driver making their racing debuts on what has since become the team’s testing track located just 15 minutes from their Western Sydney head quarters.
“The team is yet to perform to its true potential, and there would be no better time than now, on our home track,” said Mr Walden.
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