Engine problems plague WPS Racing in season opener
13/4/2005 18:15 (Press Release) -
Two dropped cylinders 16 laps from the finish line ended WPS Racing foundation driver David Besnard’s charge in the season-opening Clipsal 500 V8 Supercar Championship Series race in Adelaide today.
The engine problems on lap 62 of the 78-lap race forced Besnard to surrender position and circulate slowly around the street circuit to ensure he left Adelaide with some championship points.
Besnard was in 12th position and gaining ground on the top 10 when the engine difficulties struck.
He ultimately crossed the line in 23rd position.
“I got a couple of hits from behind at the start and eventually I was black-flagged because of the damage to my rear bar,” said Besnard.
“The crew took the bar off so when we went back out we weren’t really showing our potential.
“Without the bar you use up your tyres a bit more but I was still managing to pass some people.
“We fought strongly and were moving through the pack but then we dropped the cylinders and that was our race over.”
It was a similarly frustrating day for team mate Craig Baird, who finished 17th in his first championship drive for WPS Racing.
“It was just a really tough round for the team,” said Baird.
“My car didn’t have too much pace all weekend but considering all of the problems it was a fair result.”
Baird had a difficult start to the weekend. His car experienced minor engine problems on Saturday and, as a precautionary measure, his team worked overnight to install a new engine for today’s main race.
“It wasn’t the ideal start to today’s race and we now have a bit of work to do before moving on to the next round in New Zealand,” said Baird.
Businessman Craig Gore, chairman of team sponsor Wright Patton Shakespeare Financial Group, described the weekend as disappointing.
“We had everything together this morning and Bezzy’s (Besnard) pit strategy worked perfectly,” said Gore.
“We were looking good for a shot at the top 10 but then we dropped the two cylinders and that was the end of it.
“Bairdo (Baird) had some pretty adverse conditions but he did a great job.
“But overall it was just disappointing.”
Release Date: 19/03/2005
WPS Racing
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