Lowndes gives Canberra the thumbs-up
4/6/2001 16:19 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Craig Lowndes reckons the streets of Canberra will be better-equipped to handle this week’s V8 Supercar onslaught after resurfacing and widening work.
The Gibson Motorsport ace, who made a flying visit to the national capital last Friday to inspect the venue for this weekend’s GMC 400, was suitably impressed with the track improvements made for the sophomore event.
"Turns seven and 15 have been completely resurfaced, so they’ll be a lot smoother than last year, and the back straight along Flynn Drive has been widened by about two metres. They’ve done a great job," Lowndes said.
"Everyone I’ve talked to in Canberra is very excited about the race, so I think there’ll be a good turn-out.”
Lowndes will be aboard a virtually-new Falcon this weekend, after a round-ending collision at Hidden Valley left his machine battered and bruised.
New suspension, engine, and replacement of the whole right-hand side of the car have been undertaken by the Gibson Motorsport crew in the weeks leading up to the GMC 400.
"The team has worked non-stop to rebuild the car, and we haven’t had time to test it,” he said.
"(But) I think my 00 Falcon should go well in Canberra. I really enjoy street circuits, and as long as the weather stays dry I think the GMC 400 will be great for spectators.”
Lowndes’ Ford-backed 00 Falcon will lead a convoy of cars and transporters through Canberra when the city throws out the welcome mat on Wednesday morning.
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