The Crittenden Automotive Library

STONE COLD AT SYMMONS RACEWAY

Topics: Falken Tasmania Challenge

STONE COLD AT SYMMONS RACEWAY

Stone Brothers Racing
May 29, 2009

Gold Coast based, Stone Brothers Racing had to quickly acclimatise to the Tasmanian weather as freezing conditions hosted three Practice Sessions at Symmons Plains International Raceway today.

Kiwi, John McIntyre made his Tasmanian debut in the SP Tools Racing FG Falcon as part of the co-driver test during Part A of Practice. Shane van Gisbergen watched on as McIntyre posted some impressive laps times matching it with some of the Series regulars.

Two red flags interrupted the session, one cutting McIntyre’s fastest lap time short.

After completing 25 laps McIntyre saved the best ‘til last, when on his final lap he posted his fastest time of 0:52.7914 placing him 12th overall for the session.

John McIntyre – Driver SP Tools Racing Car #9

“It was great to get more laps in an SBR car at a race meeting where it’s more comparable against other Series drivers. I really enjoyed my time in the car today and wasn’t looking forward to handing the car back to Shane.

“Although it’s my first time here I had a good feeling this track was going to suit me and I would be able to get on the pace early. The Symmons Plains circuit has a great combination of high and low speed corners, I like to hustle the car a little bit more and that driving style made for some good lap times here.

“I felt straight away the SP Tools Racing Falcon had a good platform and car speed which should see Shane be very competitive this weekend.”

Part B of Practice saw van Gisbergen step inside the top ten while his teammate Alex Davison struggled with brakes in the IRWIN Racing FG Falcon.

Car #9 looked strong for the duration of the final leg of Practice with van Gisbergen finishing the day 9th quickest. Davison remained in the bottom third of the field until a new set of tyres shot him into the top 15.

The team have high hopes for tomorrow’s Qualifying Sessions with Paul Forgie feeling his young protégé, van Gisbergen is well within reach of a podium finish in tomorrow’s 42 lap race.

Paul Forgie – Engineer Car #9

“Shane and I spoke about our goals for the season at the start of the year and we are on the money so far. I don’t want to jinx it but I know we are on the cusp of a podium finish soon.

“We need to qualify in the top ten to have a really good shot at it tomorrow, the last few races we have missed out on the Shootout by one position, and we are sick of starting in 11th.”