Hiccups, but HSV Dealer Team ready for Clipsal
7/4/2005 14:43 (Press Release) -
A radiator ducts full of grass clippings and a minor electrical fault cost the HSV Dealer Team a serious tilt at the third and final race at Albert Park today.
Rick Kelly was running in the top 10 when the engine overheated, leaving him little choice but to pit on lap seven to avoid serious damage.
A check of the cooling ducts showed a build up of debris, mainly grass thrown up from the track verges around the circuit.
Garth Tander, starting from pit lane due to a minor engine electrical hiccup just before the start, worked his way up to 16th place. His best lap of 2 min. 00.45 sec., set on lap four, was the sixth fastest in the V8 Supercar field.
Team Manager Rob Crawford said hiccups over the weekend had cost much needed track time, but progress had been made towards a satisfactory race setup for both VZ Commodores.
“It is always bonus to get through this first hit-out of the year unscathed and with a load of data to work on before Clipsal,” he said. “We still have work to do, but we are going to come out firing in Adelaide.”
#15 Rick Kelly:
“Grass in the radiator is quite a common occurrence here at the grand prix and unfortunately it has happened to us. This meant we didn’t get the laps we needed, but we shouldn’t be too far away.”
#16 Garth Tander:
“Unfortunately, a small problem with the engine meant we had to start from pit lane, but the car was good. Although we didn’t get to run with the pack a lot, I felt changes to the car made it better balanced. We did a bit of brake testing as well, so we have gained plenty of information, which is the main thing. We are looking forward to Adelaide.”
Release Date: 06/03/2005
HSV Dealer Team
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