Fujitsu Racing’s Jason Bright will make the V8 Supercar Challenge at the Gold Coast on 18-21 October after non-stop work by his crew to repair damage from a heavy Bathurst accident.
After an aggressive pit strategy and an inspired drive by Bright, Fujitsu Racing had its Bathurst dreams dashed in a cloud of sparks against the wall at the top of Mount Panorama with just 13-laps remaining.
Fujitsu Racing sent the #25 Ford Falcon straight back to the team base in Melbourne on the Sunday night after the Bathurst race along with crew members to begin the repair work on Monday.
Extensive damage to the front-left as well as the rear of the car required exhaustive repair work.
With the team transporter required to leave on Sunday, many team members have had just a few hours of sleep this week.
“It’s been a punishing schedule for the crew, ” said Bright.
“We had a quick assessment after the race on Sunday and Indy was looking pretty shaky. Although we didn’t finish the race at Bathurst, I know the guys took enormous encouragement from the performance and that inspired them to make sure we had a car for the Gold Coast.
“Importantly we not only have a car, we have a very strong package. The car will be as good as what we started with at Bathurst and that has me very enthused for the Gold Coast encounter.
“Indy is another tough race, but we feel that we can show our true form on the streets of the Gold Coast. One of the key areas will be brakes and we are very confident that we are well sorted in that area.
“The Gold Coast event has many special memories for me both in V8s and Champcars It is one event I look forward to every year. “
Fujitsu Racing Chief Engineer Geoff Slater has full confidence in the repaired car.
“It took a big hit at Bathurst, but we are very confident it will be on the money for the Indy event, ” said Slater.
“No one has had any time off. However, the truck leaves on Sunday and that means we can give the guys three days off before heading north.
“When you have a hit like that you must make sure the car is not only OK, but we have to make sure the set-up is correct for what is a contrasting event to Bathurst.
“Motor sport can kick you in the guts sometimes, but the best response is to come back strong at the next event. That’s out plan for the Gold Coast. “
The Fujitsu Racing team will have two 50-minute practice sessions on the Friday, before the elimination-styled qualifying sessions in the afternoon.
Saturday feathers the opening 27-lap race, with Sunday’s schedule including another two 27-lap races.
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