The Crittenden Automotive Library

SBR FALCONS TO START BATHURST 1000 IN TOP 15

Topics: Bathurst 1000

SBR FALCONS TO START BATHURST 1000 IN TOP 15

Stone Brothers Racing
October 7, 2011

Stone Brothers Racing (SBR) have enjoyed another productive day on the mountain, with all three of its Falcons to start Sunday’s gruelling 1000km race from inside the top 15 places on the grid.

With the adverse weather finally clearing, it was the #9 SP Tools Racing Falcon of Shane van Gisbergen and John McIntyre that led the way for SBR, with a strong showing in the morning’s two practice sessions and qualifying ninth to secure a spot in tomorrow’s top ten shootout.

Alex Davison and David Brabham in the #4 IRWIN Racing Falcon also continued their good form, maintaining a presence in the top ten all day, only being pipped at the last minute for a berth in the top ten shootout. Davison and Brabham finished this afternoon’s qualifying session in 13th position.

Across the garage in the #47 Lucky 7 Racing Falcon, Tim Slade and Dan Gaunt made the most of the drying conditions throughout the day and will line up for Sunday’s race in 15th place on the grid.

The SBR Falcons will return to Mount Panorama tomorrow morning at 10.25am for a final 50-minute practice session ahead of the top ten shootout at 3.45pm.

Shane van Gisbergen – Driver, SP Tools Racing Car #9
“This morning the car was really good and as the track dried we were very competitive topping the fifth practice session. As more rubber went down on the track it helped our set-up in some aspects but played tricks with others so we continually worked to balance it out and in the end the car felt pretty good. I’m happy with P9 and looking forward to the shootout tomorrow.”

John McIntyre – Co-Driver, SP Tools Racing Car #9
“I started the day on slicks as the track was drying and although there were still a few damp patches I felt really comfortable with how the car was working and while my confidence grew you still had to be cautious in a few places. The car has great balance and Shane proved that going P1 in his session – we’ve made good progress and are in good shape for the shootout.”

Alex Davison – Driver, IRWIN Racing Car #4
“The car was once again strong from the start. Between the two practice sessions we didn’t need to make any drastic changes which is always a good sign. I’m bitterly disappointed we didn’t make the shootout because I really think we had the car to do it – unfortunately I got blocked late in the session when I was on a flyer but 13th isn’t the end of the world when you consider what lies ahead of us on Sunday.”

David Brabham – Co-Driver, IRWIN Racing Car #4
“The car balance straight off the bat this morning was perfect and it was great to finally get some laps around here in dry conditions. This morning’s damp conditions helped me find a little more confidence in the wet and Alex did a great job in his session, so overall we have a good base to move forward on. Starting 13th isn’t a disaster – it’s obviously a very long race and we have a car that will be strong regardless of what the weather throws at us.”

Tim Slade – Driver, Lucky 7 Racing Car #47
“We were strong this morning in the first and last sectors – our weakest link is coming down the hill through ‘Skyline’ through to the ‘Elbow’ but some of that was me and I improved on that throughout the day with more to come. The benefit of being strong in the first and last sectors though is the fact that that’s where the passing opportunities are and we have the car speed to do that. I’m happy with 15th when you consider how little time separates us from the leaders over such a long lap.”

Dan Gaunt – Co-Driver, Lucky 7 Racing Car #47
“As Tim said our first and last sectors are perfect – we’re just lacking a little over the top which we’ll continue to work on before Sunday. 15th keeps us in the game and with the nature of the race and the strong package we have, I’m confident we’ll put on a good show come Sunday.”