The Crittenden Automotive Library

SBR SHINE WITH A DOUBLE PODIUM

Topics: Coates Hire Ipswich 300, Tim Slade, Shane van Gisbergen

SBR SHINE WITH A DOUBLE PODIUM

Stone Brothers Racing
August 21, 2011

For the first time since 2005 (three times with Marcos Ambrose and Russell Ingall at Oran Park, Barbagallo & Pukekohe), Stone Brothers Racing (SBR) have finished the weekend with two of its drivers on the podium – this time being Tim Slade and Shane van Gisbergen at their home track during the Ipswich 300.

#47 Lucky 7 Racing pilot Tim Slade again proved he has what it takes to be a future V8 Supercar Champion, by maintaining the speed he has enjoyed at the last few events to claim his second runner-up podium finish this weekend. Slade’s performance of late has been nothing short of brilliant, with his Lucky 7 Racing Falcon now a regular feature at the pointy end of the field in all sessions.

Although Craig Lowndes clean-swept the three races this weekend, by Triple 8’s own admission, Slade was the only other driver to be a real threat to Lowndes’ dominance – which is a real credit to the Lucky 7 racer.

Slade’s second placing today was made all the more sweet for SBR, with his teammate Shane van Gisbergen in the #9 SP Tools Racing Falcon also joining him on the podium after a strong run in the final race for third place. Van Gisbergen wasn’t settled earlier in the weekend but changes to his Falcon before today’s final race ensured he remained in contention. Van Gisbergen’s third placing today maintains his third placing on the Championship points table.

Alex Davison in the #4 IRWIN Racing Falcon also put in a great ‘top-ten’ performance today, fighting his way from 16th to cross the line in eighth place.

Ross Stone – Team Principal, Stone Brothers Racing

“I’m really pleased with all the boys’ performance this weekend. For Tim it was about putting together a complete weekend from practice, through qualifying and race results – he nailed them all and I could be happier now that all three boys have tasted the podium this year. Shane found his way again today for another podium and Alex drove skilfully to fight back for a top ten finish. Add to that young Scott McLaughlin also scored his maiden race win in the Fujitsu Series for us, so I really couldn’t be happier right now.”

Tim Slade – Driver, Lucky 7 Racing Car #47

“This weekend was pretty much a dream run. Three podiums and Shane’s up here as well, so a big thanks to the guys. The car was really strong and to have it featuring at the top of all sessions gives us a lot of confidence going into the enduros. This weekend we put it all together and that’s what we will continue to do.”

Shane van Gisbergen – Driver, SP Tools Racing Car #9

“Tim has set a benchmark this weekend and I have to get myself back up to speed. We weren’t really there all weekend but we did make some changes to make the car faster but it (the car) probably didn’t really suit my style. I’ll sit down with Paul (engineer – Forgie) this week and make sure we’re back in shape for the enduros. It’s been a while since we’ve had a good run at there (at the enduros) so hopefully this year it’s our turn.”

Alex Davison – Driver, IRWIN Racing Car #4

“We had a really good race car today, it was a big improvement over qualifying. It was great to see the other two guys up on the podium, of course I would have liked to have joined them. We struggled a bit this weekend so to get up into the top 10 today, in a race without safety cars, is probably a reasonable result. As far as the championship is concerned, a couple of guys in front of me in the championship, the two FPR (Ford Performance Racing) guys, had a terrible day, so we closed the gap to them and the gap to fifth in the championship is very, very small. We are still in there, we need to improve, especially in qualifying, but we salvaged something today for sure, which was pleasing.”