Johnson wins first round in battle for 10th
11/1/2005 15:58 (Press Release) -
Shell Helix Racing's Steven Johnson has edged past Garth Tander in the battle for 10th place of the V8 Supercar Championship. Johnson qualified for the series' first and only twilight race of the season in 12th place and finished in ninth while Tander retired on the first lap.
Tander's retirement meant he scored no points with Johnson scoring 48. Prior to the race Tander led Johnson by 46 points but with ordinary form on his side.
Johnson was happy with his race and pleased to be on equal terms with Tander going into tomorrow's final two races.
"My race this evening was pretty uneventful which was probably good," Steve Johnson said.
"Anything can happen in a race, just ask Garth (Tander). What happened
to him could have happened to me, or anyone.
"I'm just glad to have got through the race unscathed and in a position to reach my goals."
Johnson will start the weekend's second race in ninth while Tander will be at the rear of the grid.
"Obviously starting up the front is good for me," Johnson said.
"Garth will be at the rear which will make it difficult for him but there is still a lot of work to do.
"I need to make sure that I finish in front of Garth in the final two races, if I don't then I won't take tenth place."
Securing 10th in the Championship is not only important for Johnson but important for Shell Helix Racing too.
"Our goal this year was to have a driver finish the season in the top ten," Johnson said.
"It is something that we've been working hard to achieve.
"We want a position in the good section of the pit lane next year. We want to be around the more competitive teams.
"Races can be won or lost in the pits so it's critical to be at the end of the pits.
"We've got very strong pit crews that are fast at every event, it will certainly help to be nearer the pit exit and around equally fast teams."
Johnson's teammate Warren Luff started the first race in 15th, which is where he finished after yet another strong drive.
The season's final two races start at 12.30pm (AEST) and 3.40pm tomorrow afternoon.
Release Date: 04/12/2004
Shell Helix - Dick Johnson Racing
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