SBR on the move in the top end
Round 6, SKYCITY Triple Crown, Hidden Valley, Darwin, NT
Stone Brothers Racing drivers were on the move in race one at the SKYCITY Triple Crown this afternoon, with JELD-WEN Motorsport’s James Courtney rounding out the top ten and SP Tools Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen finishing in 12th.
Van Gisbergen made an exceptional recovery from a disappointing qualifying session where under-steer and a failed shift cut made hard work for the 19-year-old, placing him in 22nd position on the grid.
The SP Tools Racing driver had a steady start, picking up three positions in the opening laps. A lightening quick stop by the SBR pit crew on lap seven gave van Gisbergen the advantage he needed to make his way to 13th.
Van Gisbergen hustled Mark Skaife for a number of laps before the HRT driver slid off the track with a flat tyre leaving the way clear for the SP Tools Racing Falcon to cross the line in 12th place.
Shane van Gisbergen, #9, SP Tools Racing
“We had a good start to the race today but I got pushed out at the first corner so we lost what we had gained.
“The SP Tools Falcon was really good and we made up places early.
“Once I got behind Skaife I didn’t have enough to pass. This track is not great for passing but we tried our hardest and made up some spots so it was good. Ten places from 22nd is pretty satisfying.
“We found the tyres went away quickly after the pit stop. It seems to be a characteristic of these new tyres and everyone will be experiencing the same thing. We will learn from that and be ready for it tomorrow.”
Tags: sp air tools, sp hand tools, sp tools, V8 Supercars