“It wasn t a trouble free day; we had some issues here and there and we even had an alternator catch fire in Jason s car during the morning warm-up, which set us back until lunch. “But while there were no other teams present to gauge ourselves with, we were happy with the progress made, what we were able to resolve and also learn. ” Murphy s car was fitted with the first of the team s newest development Holden Motorsport engines for the test, the second motor for Richards car ready this week. “It s only early days in our engine development program, but both Murph and Jason were pleased with the new motor – Royce McCort and Neill Part Burns have done a terrific job, ” Jenkins said.
Richards said while he struggled to get through the full program due to the delayed start, he was encouraged and is looking forward to the annual trip across the Tasman. “It was frustrating not getting a full day in, but when we actually got out onto the track we lapped consistently in the 1m 24s range, and a 24.1 was as quick as I ve ever been around Winton at any test, ” said Richards.
“I ve never had much luck at home while with four wins Murph has owned the place, so I ll be leaning on my team-mate for all his help and advice. I d like to change my fortunes before we move to Hamilton for the street race next year. ” Tasman Motorsport enduro driver Mark Noske also gained some valuable seat time completing a 27 lap stint in his first drive of a VE Commodore ahead of the traditional Sandown and Bathurst endurance races later this year. The Placemakers V8 Supercar event takes place at Pukekohe Park Raceway on 20-22 April.
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