Stone Brothers Racing drivers are looking forward to ‘the unknown’ at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit this weekend, the introduction of a new format at the 2008 L&H 500 certain to provide a challenge for teams and a great spectacle for V8 Supercar fans.
The 500km endurance race takes up residence at Phillip Island this year and the JELD-WEN Motorsport and SP Tools Racing boys believe the addition of separate driver and co-driver qualifying sessions and races prior to the feature race will mix things up.
Add to that a compulsory pit stop in one of Saturday’s races and the unknown quantity of tyre wear at the fast and flowing 4.4km circuit, it is clear that strategy will be the key this weekend.
The JELD-WEN Motorsport combination of James Courtney and David Besnard are right behind the changes, both in agreement that punters will be the winners at the L&H 500.
Pitted against some strong driver combinations, the pair is confident that their experience together last year will stand them in good stead for a shot at the podium.
In contrast, SP Tools Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen and Jonathon Webb are considered underdogs and they are more than happy to play to this tune.
The L&H 500 will mark their first time paired together in an endurance event however their similar height and driving style should work to their advantage.
In another positive, Webb is more than comfortable with the SBR crew, his knowledge of the team through his Fujitsu drive making the transition to the number-nine SP Tools Racing Falcon smooth.
The SBR team had its first of two endurance test days last Monday at Queensland Raceway, the JELD-WEN Motorsport and SP Tools Racing Falcons hitting the track in endurance race specifications.
The Gold Coast-based team had a full shakedown of pit stops at the Willowbank circuit including pad changes and fuel stops while the drivers teamed up to run through driver changes.
The SP Tools Racing and JELD-WEN Motorsport Falcons will have their first run on the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on Friday with practice at 12:45pm. A full Saturday schedule includes separate driver and co-driver practice and qualifying sessions followed by driver and co-driver races in the afternoon. The 500km race will take place on Sunday.
| 
|