Top 10 For Frosty in QR double act

21 August 2011

Frosty drove the wheels off the car and 10th was the best it had

Mark Winterbottom salvaged a top 10 finish in today’s unique twin race “footy-style” shootout at the Coates Hire Ipswich 300, whilst Will Davison’s difficult weekend with his brand new factory Falcon continued.

Today’s format saw an all-in 20 minute qualifying session, which determined the grid for the first 22 lap race. Following on from that, there was a 15 minute window before cars were required back on track. It ensured the team was well and truly under pressure in that break.

Winterbottom qualified 12th and Davison 14th in the #6 Trading Post FPR Falcon.

The opening race – as many predicted – saw the racers take a conservative approach – bearing in mind the short turnaround time.

After the Safety Car free 22 laps, Mark Winterbottom crossed the line 13th and Davison 15th. Winterbottom’s problem of the rear tyres overpowering the front tyres continued from qualifying.

Some frantic work from the crew in between saw some changes made to the cars in the hope that some speed may have been uncovered.

The second race saw Winterbottom quickly move his way into the top 10 – a three car pile-up brought out a Safety Car for a stricken Todd Kelly.

From there, a battle pack formed behind Winterbottom and Davison wasn’t far from the action either in his own battle.

Late in the race, Winterbottom dropped to 10th placing and he was able to maintain it until the end of the race. Davison crossed the line in 15th.

With another qualifying session tomorrow and a longer 65-lap race, the team is hoping for a vast improvement from both cars. Once again, tomorrow’s proceedings will be conducted on the softer Dunlop rubber.

Winterbottom was able to maintain fifth in the Championship, whilst Davison has fallen to seventh, a single point behind Steven Johnson.

WHAT THEY SAID:
Mark Winterbottom – #5 Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon:

“Tomorrow’s another day and we just have to hope that we can find some improvement in the car.

“We really want to get this #5 Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon honking and up the field.

“A top 10 result this afternoon helped. We’re still in the Championship top five – there could be worse positions to be in.

“There was a bit of action in the packs that I was in, particularly in the second race. The half time thing was interesting, it’s good to see that they are mixing it up and giving the fans something different.”

Will Davison – #6 Trading Post FPR Falcon:
“Not really sure what to say after that, we were in there trying hard – the result didn’t come.

“I got shuffled out of the way there midway through the second race, that was a bit tough, but that’s racing, no point complaining.

“We’re going over some data tonight, putting something in for tomorrow and let’s see what that does – there are better days to come for young Kate, let me tell you!”

WEEKEND SCHEDULE
The times below are in Australian Eastern Standard Time

Sunday, August 21:
Qualifying: 11:20am – 11:40am
Race 18 (65 laps): 3:05pm

TELEVISION SCHEDULE
Times subject to amendment, please check local guides:
NOTE:Live coverage (as per above qualifying and race times – Eastern Standard Time – is available on Bigpond TV via www.v8supercars.com.au.

Sunday, August 21
NOTE: 7mate for all markets
2.00pm – 4.00pm Qualifying & Raceday Xtra (all markets)
4.00pm – 6.00pm Race 18 (all markets)

RACE REPLAYS
Seven Network:
Sunday, August 21
10.30pm – 12.30am Race 18 (Seven Network)