AUSSIE ROOKIE SHINES AT LEXMARK INDY 300
9/11/2004 18:42 (Press Release) -
Australian Champ Car driver David Besnard impressed during today’s opening qualifying session at the Lexmark Indy 300 on Queensland’s Gold Coast, finishing third quickest among the championship rookies and 13th overall.
In front of a parochial record Friday crowd of 62,943, Besnard pushed the Wright Patton Shakespeare Reynard entry to top of the time sheets on just his fourth lap.
Having pitted momentarily soon after, the Queenslander came out for another valuable nine laps of track time on the 4.47 kilometre Surfers Paradise circuit appearing more comfortable and secure behind the wheel.
“This is just the third time I’ve been in the car and we’ve made steady progress, but again it’s a big adjustment,” said Besnard.
“I’m growing in confidence and starting to push harder which should see us perform better as the weekend progresses.
“But this is a tough, tight circuit and if you lose a wheel or anything like that you can end up in a wall.”
Current Champ Car World Series leader Sebastien Bourdais (Newman/Haas Racing) completed the first phase towards a maiden championship title tilt, by setting the quickest time and securing a position on the front row of the grid for Sunday’s Lexmark Indy 300.
The major hurdle between the Frenchman and the Vanderbilt Cup spoils remains current series second-placed driver, Newman/Haas Racing team mate Bruno Junqueira, however he endured mechanical problems and completed just four laps of qualifying.
Forsythe Championship Racing’s Paul Tracy recorded the second quickest time today followed by 2002 Gold Coast winner Mario Dominguez (Herdez Competition).
In the Gillette V8 Supercar Challenge it was a return to the glory days for Holden Racing Team heavyweight Mark Skaife as he secured provisional pole before tomorrow’s Top Ten Shootout.
Skaife has endured a tough time during the opening 10 rounds of the Championship Series and declared the effort extremely rewarding on such a demanding street circuit.
Hot on his heels was arch-rival Russell Ingall of Caltex Racing followed by Ford compatriot Craig Lowndes (Ford Performance Racing).
Practice and qualifying sessions will again be featured during tomorrow’s Lexmark Indy 300 racing program as the double-header motorsport’s feature edges closer to an exciting climax.
Championship points are up for grabs tomorrow in the Gillette V8 Supercar Challenge with the Top Ten shootout preceding Race One over 22-laps.
In Race Two of Formula Three a record final lap by John Pettit wasn’t enough to deny Marcus Marshall victory.
Pettit had earlier charged through the field from fifth position on the grid and fell short by just six tenths of a second in an eye-catching performance. Chris Alajian completed the minor placings.
Tim Monte won Race Two of the Aussie Racing Cars, edging out front row grid partner Jeff Davy and Paul Kemal.
Monte will be aiming for a clean-sweep on the Gold Coast street circuit during tomorrow’s final race that kickstarts the on-track program at 8.25am.
Racing continues tonight with the inaugural Carrera Cup round under lights.
True to its claim as providing a major carnival atmosphere, the massive crowds at the Lexmark Indy 300 were kept entertained during day two of festivities.
The Sea FM Airshow proved a major hit and newly crowned Bartercard Miss Indy Jane-Lee O’Neill was formally introduced to an appreciative audience.
The 2004 Lexmark Indy 300 on the Gold Coast will continue during the weekend with tickets on sale at the gate.
Release Date: 22/10/2004
Lexmark Indy 300
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