IRWIN Racing’s Alan Gurr has endured a frustrating weekend at the fifth round of the V8 Supercar Championship at Sydney’s Eastern Creek.
Gurr was only able to complete the opening race in 26th position, while races #2 and #3 he failed to finish. Race #2 he retired with steering damage and a broken rocker in the engine ended Gurr’s final race of the weekend.
Race #2 was especially frustrating after he jumped five positions on the opening lap. He was set to move up further but a collision with Shane Price eliminated any hope of a strong finish.
“Just a weekend where we didn’t have anything fall our way, ” said Gurr.
“The practice was wet and we didn’t really make the most of the dry conditions in qualifying.
“26th in the first race was OK, but I was confident of a big improvement in the second race. It started well, but after a safety car period the field was bunched and I got together with Shane Price.
“The engine drama was totally unexpected in the final race. I know the guys pride themselves in that department and will work to rectify that area.
“Bring on Darwin. Plenty of sunshine and ideally a hot performance from our team in Top-End. “
Lead Engineer Greg Foletta is already looking forward.
“You can’t dwell on weekends like this, especially with Darwin just two weeks away! ” said Foletta.
“We clearly need to improve our qualifying performance. I know that from that point we can legitimately aim for a better overall result.
“After two pretty cool events at Winton and Sydney, a warm welcome in Darwin will be a nice change. A change that we aim will bring a turn in our results. “
The Skycity Triple Crown is run at Darwin’s Hidden Valley on June 22-24.
EASTERN CREEK OVERALL RESULTS
1. Mark Skaife - Holden Racing Team - Holden Commodore
2. Todd Kelly - Holden Racing Team - Holden Commodore
3. Jamie Whincup - Team Vodafone - Ford Falcon Bf MkII
4. Rick Kelly - Toll HSV - Holden Commodore
5. Craig Lowndes - Team Vodafone - Ford Falcon BF MkII
6. Steven Richards - Ford Performance Racing - Ford Falcon BF MkII
7. Mark Winterbottom - Ford Performance Racing - Ford Falcon BF MkII
8. Garth Tander - Toll HSV - Holden Commodore
9. Steven Johnson - Jim Beam Racing - Ford Falcon BF MkII
10. Russell Ingall- Caltex Racing - Ford Falcon BF MkII
28. Jason Bright - Fujitsu Racing - Ford Falcon BF MkII
DRIVER’S CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 5 OF 14 ROUNDS
1. Rick Kelly: Toll HSV Dealer Team: Holden Commodore 274 pts
2. Garth Tander: Toll HSV Dealer Team: Holden Commodore -24 pts
3. Jamie Whincup: Team Vodafone: Ford Falcon BF MkII -54 pts
4. Todd Kelly: Holden Racing Team: Holden Commodore -69 pts
5. Mark Skaife: Holden Racing Team: Holden Commodore -105 pts
6. Craig Lowndes: Team Vodafone: Ford Falcon BF MkII -126 pts
7. Steven Johnson: Jim Beam Racing: Ford Falcon BF MkII -145 pts
8. James Courtney: JELD-WEN Motorsport: Ford Falcon BF MkII -150 pts
9. Russell Ingall: Caltex Racing: Ford Falcon BF MkII -156 pts
10. Mark Winterbottom - Ford Performance Racing - Ford Falcon BF MkII -159 pts
28. Jason Bright: Fujitsu Racing: Ford Falcon BF MkII -272 pts
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