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Although the qualifying time sheets don’t show it, the Redken for Men Racing Subaru WRX Sti is set to be a dark horse in tomorrow’s Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour.
A slipping hose clamp on the car’s intercooler slowed the machine early in the hour long all-in qualifying session, and with the problem solved, the car will be one to watch come race day.
The car’s onboard data suggested that traffic affected laps late in the session would have been good enough for a top ten starting berth, however the crew of David Wood, Lee Castle and Kurt Wimmer will start the race from position number 19.
In the third practice session, which was held in wet conditions this morning, Castle was placed strongly in sixth position before the track dried, displaying the Subaru’s strong wet weather form.
With the niggling problem behind the team, team principal Cameron Wilson is full of optimism heading into the biggest event of the production car racing season.
“Obviously it is not the qualifying result we were after, but going off the data, we know that the car is more than capable of a top-ten result, and I honestly believe if we play our cards right, it is good enough for a top-five,” said Wilson.
“There are a lot of factors to take into account with the 12 hour, with the safety car, fuel strategy and particularly the weather, which will make the day very interesting.
“All three drivers are equal in terms of pace, and they understand that they need to look after the equipment.
“Lee will start the race, and from there we really look forward to what the 12 hour brings.”
The big race kicks off with a 6:30am start, with weather expected to bring further rain over night and tomorrow.
Driver Quotes
David Wood
“We definitely have more speed in the car, and we know it will perform strongly in the wet and the dry.
“It’s a shame we had a problem with a genuine 20 cent part, but the car is miles better than what we had at this race 12 months ago.
“I don’t think it will take long to work through the traffic, it’s going to be a great race, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Lee Castle
“I can‘t wait to start the race, and if it wasn’t for a bit of bad luck, we definitely had a top-ten qualifying result in us.
“In such a long race, qualifying is not that important.
“After the week that the boys have had, they deserve a good result, bring on a wet and dry race!”
Kurt Wimmer
“I’m really looking to getting a lot of laps under my belt tomorrow.
“The car feels the best out of anything I have ever driven in the wet, so a bit of rain won’t worry us.
“In qualifying the car felt really strong, and I think we will really sneak up on the front runners in the race.”
For more information on the Redken 5th Avenue NYC For Men range and style guide, check out www.redkenformen.com.au.
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