Podium result for Shell Helix Racing
18/9/2004 17:45 (Press Release) -
Shell Helix Racing's number one dynamic duo Steven Johnson and Warren Luff have driven their number 17 Ford to third place in today's action packed Sandown 500.
Johnson did the first 56-lap stint and handed the Falcon over to Luff in a strong seventh place.
The stop for fuel and a change of driver and brake pads didn't effect their on track position coming out of the first phase of stops in eighth.
From there on Luff drove the race of his life steadily making his way through traffic to pass his final competitor, Cameron McConville, several laps from the end.
Following the race there were some that thought the result was being disputed, but the stewards quickly put to rest those rumours.
“It was clear and very obvious that I didn't pass Cameron McConville for third place under a yellow flag,” Warren Luff said.
“Cameron was touched up by a back marker and when that happened I passed.
“It was because of this incident that the yellow came out, there was no safety car out on track when this happened.”
Johnson and Luff were both beaming after a result that was a long time in the making.
“We are all so happy, the car was great and we stayed out of trouble, it's been a fantastic day,” Steve Johnson said.
“It has been a long while, it's been a tough road for the guys and we've been working extra hard, I'm sure that this will give the guys a lot of confidence and kick start a bit of a roll.
“The team and the drivers did a great job, particular Warren (Luff), the result is a credit to him.”
Johnson was extremely happy with the new Shell Ford's dry weather package.
“The new car is better than the old one,” Johnson said.
“We should have been quicker earlier in the weekend but apart from that the car is showing that its going to be better than what we've had in the past.”
Luff was equally as happy.
“Third at Sandown is a great result for me and the team,” Warren Luff said.
“It's been a tough year and we've been a little light on results so to podium is very special for everyone.”
Luff admitted that he didn't know that he'd double stint when the race began.
“We had spoken about it,” Luff said.
“Obviously the advantage of double stinting is not having to change drivers again and the thought was that I'd probably stay in.
“If there had of been a safety car when I came into the pit lane we probably would have changed drivers, but when it didn't happen I was told that I was going to stay in and finish the race.”
The result has given Shell Helix Racing a lot of confidence going into Bathurst.
“Today's result has reduced the pressure going to Bathurst,” Johnson said.
“We're good in the wet and today's dry package was reasonably good.
“If we keep working on the Ford and use the test that we've got planned before Bathurst well, then we'll get even more out of it, and I'm sure the team will be a contender at Bathurst.
“I've always gone well at Bathurst and I love the event, bring on Bathurst I say, we've got a great chance.”
For David Brabham and Owen Kelly, their day ended prematurely on lap 123 when damage sustained to the front of their Ford was unable to be fixed.
|
|
