|
An incredible effort by the Grand Prix Mazda team and a brilliant drive by Jake Camilleri aboard the Mazda 3 MPS were highlights of the second round of the Australian Manufacturers Championship at Eastern Creek Raceway in Sydney this weekend.
After a top ten result in the opening race, Camilleri was the unfortunate victim of an incident at the ultra-fast turn one, which saw the car extensively damaged.
With a short turn around between races, the Grand Prix Mazda team put in a sterling performance to see the car make the grid, with the crew rewarded with a brilliant drive to fifth position.
The first race was a frustrating affair for Camilleri, with the Mazda 3 showing tremendous pace on the flowing sections of the circuit, however losing out to the V8 powered opposition on the kilometre long front straight.
“It was incredibly frustrating being held up over three-quarters of the circuit, and the tyres were fried trying to stick with the big cars,” said Camilleri.
The first Sunday race saw Camlleri mixing it once again with the big cars, and after a strong start, was squeezed for room by Martin Miller’s Holden at turn one at the start of the second lap.
“I did the right thing and gave him some room, but I was squeezed over the kerb on the inside.
“I spun and nearly rolled, I tried to keep out of everyone’s way, but unfortunately I was hit by Bob Pearson’s Lancer.”
The car was extensively damaged in the accident, and retired on the spot.
All hands were on deck, with the crew working like clockwork to put the machine back on track with only minutes to spare, and they were rewarded with a brilliant drive, with Camilleri cleanly picking off the opposition to win class B with fifth overall.
Team manager Joseph Camilleri was clearly proud of his team and driver after the comeback of the weekend.
“This is the best team you could ever ask for, without them there is no way we could have made the start of the final race,” said Joseph.
“I can’t believe we changed so many parts on the car in such a short amount of time, and Jake well and truly paid the team back with his drive in the last race.
“We’re really looking forward to our home race at Morgan Park Raceway, and with a bit more low down torque, it will be great.
The third round of the Australian Manufacturers Championship will be the first visit for the series to Queensland in some time, with the round scheduled for August 8-9.
Grand Prix Mazda Racing would like to thank Castrol, Esanda, Allianz and All Star Tuning Systems for their continued support.
|
