Round 13, Falken Tasmania Challenge, Symmons Plains, Tasmania
It was a weekend without fortune for SP Tools Racing Shane van Gisbergen and his team-mate James Courtney (JELD-WEN Motorsport) in the penultimate round of the V8 Supercar Championship in Tasmania today.
Both drivers found excellent speed but both suffered mishaps out of their control that thwarted their attempts to play a strong part in proceedings.
Today there were high hopes for van Gisbergen who started fifth on the grid following his outstanding drive in the greasy conditions yesterday.
After charging up to fourth he suffered a fuel pump problem and was forced to withdraw, leaving him to come from the back of the grid for the final race.
He was making progress in race three but a drive through penalty negated his progress.
Shane van Gisbergen, #9, SP Tools Racing Falcon:
“We settled into a good rhythm in race two and were running in the top five easily. Then we had a fuel pressure problem and while we were able to switch to the reserve for a while we knew it wasn’t going to last.
“We had good speed and good tyres for race three and we knew we could come through. I went to pass Marcus Marshall but he moved across on me. I couldn’t stop and turned him around. And then was give a drive through penalty.
“We know we have the speed but we had some bad luck.
“I’m looking forward to Oran Park. It’s my favourite circuit and where I made my debut last year. I’m pretty confident there. We’ve just got to put a full weekend together.”