Muscling to the lead early in today’s final 16-lap top-six reverse grid Porsche GT3 Cup race at Manfeild allowed Auckland based V8 Supercar driver Daniel Gaunt his first victory with the Triple X Motorsport team.
The penultimate round in the 2009/10 Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, Gaunt stole the lead position bestowed upon team principal for the afternoon race, leading the field through the first turns and on to the chequered flag.
“I’m happy I held on there in the end – it was great to get back in the winner’s circle, but we’ve got a bit of work to do with our pace here at Manfeild,” cautioned Gaunt after the win.
“Jonny Reid has been driving well, so we had to get the better start and keep everyone behind us.”
Starting from pole position following a sixth place finish in this morning’s 12-lap scratch race, McKillen in the VnC Cocktails Juice bar Porsche 997 was swamped by the 15-car field at the start. Gaunt in the Placemakers Hampsta Porsche 997 was directly behind his boss, ducking to the side and taking the clean line.
Instead it was defending series champion Craig Baird in the ZM Mad Butcher Porsche 997 who got blockaded in the melee and had to sit behind the top-six pack.
Fighting for the round victory, Melbourne based David Reynolds was close to getting the Indians bar Hampsta Porsche 997 to a second successive win of the weekend in the morning race, but couldn’t keep Jonny Reid from again stealing his mantle in the third.
Bringing up the chasing pack, continued consistency by 21-year-old Courtney Letica driving the Altherm Porsche 997 saw him finish sixth in the final – one place ahead of team principal McKillen.
Christchurch car dealer Paul Kelly had an improved performance following the wet of Saturday’s race – finishing ninth.
Today’s round action has elevated Triple X Motorsport’s Daniel Gaunt to second overall in the points standings – 186 points behind his leading team-mate Craig Baird with three races to contest.
The final round action takes place in five weeks at the mid-North Island location of Taupo (19-21 March).
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Bamber wins New Zealand Grand Prix
Triple X Motorsport driver Earl Bamber has etched his name in eternal history by winning the first Grand Prix of 2010, held at the New Zealand location of Manfeild today.
The sweetest Valentine’s Day present for the 19-year-old, Wanganui based Bamber started the 35-lap race from the front row of the grid, taking the win by a half-second margin in the VnC Cocktails Mad Butcher Toyota FT40 car.
Following squally weather conditions in the Saturday build-up race that Bamber failed to finish, the all-important Grand Prix started under clear skies with a gentle breeze to subdue the summer heat. With the longest race of the weekend ahead, Bamber started well, but had to settle for second behind the younger rival Mitch Evans. With six laps to run a safety car incident bunched the field that allowed Bamber to pressure for the advantage at the re-start.
“Mitch (Evans) was really quick in the beginning and our car was set to get faster later in the race so I knew if I could stay close enough we should be able to take the lead. Once the safety car came out I knew we had the better pace so from the restart we had a good attack, a bit of contact, but we got a clean pass to get the job done,” said an elated Bamber as he collected his accolades.
“It’s a credit to the team – throughout the season they’ve done a great job and now we’ve got the best result by winning the Grand Prix.”
An event first run in 1950, previous winners include the likes of Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren, Kenny Smith, Chris Amon, and Craig Baird. And for the Triple X Motorsport team it was a double victory having won the trophy with driver Daniel Gaunt in 2009.
“It’s what you dream about winning,” added Bamber. “The Grand Prix is such a big prize internationally, so to be a Kiwi name alongside so many internationals is very special – especially having the Triple X Motorsport team win it back-to-back.”
New Plymouth apprentice mechanic Stefan Webling started his first ever Grand Prix, with the 21-year-old went from go to woe when he tangled early in the race to drop from podium contention. Then late in the race he pinched a tyre braking in to the sweeping final turn leading on to the front straight, getting stuck in the gravel trap that precedes the tyre safety wall. Extracted by rescue personnel, he pitted for a precautionary check before resuming in last place – the same position he held to the chequered flag.
Concluding the international segment of the five round Toyota Racing Series, Bamber has secured his second overall in the standings with one round remaining – to be contested late March near Taupo.
Results: 2010 New Zealand Grand Prix – Toyota Racing Series 35-laps Manfeild 14 February.
Pos car driver time
1 7 Earl Bamber 38min43.796
2 4 Mitchell Evans +0.512
3 20 Sten Pentus +1.207
4 47 Ritchie Stanaway +3.315
5 9 Daniel Jilesen +4.214
6 8 Jamie McNee +5.312
7 6 Sam MacNeill +5.378
8 48 Andrew Waite +6.888
9 69 Alistair Wootten +7.311
10 11 Ken Smith +10.450
11 41 Stefan Webling +2 Laps
The sweetest Valentine’s Day present for the 19-year-old, Wanganui based Bamber started the 35-lap race from the front row of the grid, taking the win by a half-second margin in the VnC Cocktails Mad Butcher Toyota FT40 car.
Following squally weather conditions in the Saturday build-up race that Bamber failed to finish, the all-important Grand Prix started under clear skies with a gentle breeze to subdue the summer heat. With the longest race of the weekend ahead, Bamber started well, but had to settle for second behind the younger rival Mitch Evans. With six laps to run a safety car incident bunched the field that allowed Bamber to pressure for the advantage at the re-start.
“Mitch (Evans) was really quick in the beginning and our car was set to get faster later in the race so I knew if I could stay close enough we should be able to take the lead. Once the safety car came out I knew we had the better pace so from the restart we had a good attack, a bit of contact, but we got a clean pass to get the job done,” said an elated Bamber as he collected his accolades.
“It’s a credit to the team – throughout the season they’ve done a great job and now we’ve got the best result by winning the Grand Prix.”
An event first run in 1950, previous winners include the likes of Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren, Kenny Smith, Chris Amon, and Craig Baird. And for the Triple X Motorsport team it was a double victory having won the trophy with driver Daniel Gaunt in 2009.
“It’s what you dream about winning,” added Bamber. “The Grand Prix is such a big prize internationally, so to be a Kiwi name alongside so many internationals is very special – especially having the Triple X Motorsport team win it back-to-back.”
New Plymouth apprentice mechanic Stefan Webling started his first ever Grand Prix, with the 21-year-old went from go to woe when he tangled early in the race to drop from podium contention. Then late in the race he pinched a tyre braking in to the sweeping final turn leading on to the front straight, getting stuck in the gravel trap that precedes the tyre safety wall. Extracted by rescue personnel, he pitted for a precautionary check before resuming in last place – the same position he held to the chequered flag.
Concluding the international segment of the five round Toyota Racing Series, Bamber has secured his second overall in the standings with one round remaining – to be contested late March near Taupo.
Results: 2010 New Zealand Grand Prix – Toyota Racing Series 35-laps Manfeild 14 February.
Pos car driver time
1 7 Earl Bamber 38min43.796
2 4 Mitchell Evans +0.512
3 20 Sten Pentus +1.207
4 47 Ritchie Stanaway +3.315
5 9 Daniel Jilesen +4.214
6 8 Jamie McNee +5.312
7 6 Sam MacNeill +5.378
8 48 Andrew Waite +6.888
9 69 Alistair Wootten +7.311
10 11 Ken Smith +10.450
11 41 Stefan Webling +2 Laps
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Reynolds wins Porsche race
Triple X Motorsport driver David Reynolds took a convincing win in this weekend’s first of three races at the series penultimate round of the Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge being held at Manfeild.
Starting from the front row in steady rain, Reynolds in the #8 Hampsta Indians bar Porsche 997 got the better start for the 12-lap race around the 3.03 kilometre circuit – a lead he continually extended to the chequered flag.
“We got a good start, Matt Halliday got a bit of a jump, but I got the better drive and got in to turn one leading. So I put my head down; got a few good laps in early and saved my tyres – taking the win,” said Reynolds.
Although the 24-year-old Melbourne based driver had a distracting build-up to the race when the in-board air-jack in his car failed as the team were putting it on the ground.
“It collapsed just before the start of the race when it was being used to lower the car, so there was a bit of running around to get the car properly sorted – so a special thanks to the Triple X boys for that.”
While Reynolds was out front, a battle for third see-sawed between Matt Halliday and Triple X Motorsport team-mates Craig Baird and Daniel Gaunt. Baird in the #1 Mad Butcher ZM Porsche 997 took the initial advantage, before losing track position that let Gaunt in the #3 Placemakers Hampsta Porsche 997 try for position. A skirmish involving Gaunt allowed Baird the position at the flag, with Courtney Letica in the #5 Altherm Porsche finishing behind in fourth.
Team principal Shane McKillen finished seventh in the #2 VnC Cocktails Juice bar Porsche 997 with Christchurch car dealer Paul Kelly 12th in the #90 Paul Kelly Motor Company Porsche 997.
With today’s result extending Baird’s overall title lead to 146 points, Sunday’s races include two more 75 point scoring opportunities with the morning 12-lap race followed by an afternoon 16-lap reverse top-six grid finale.
Adding to the Triple X Motorsport victory count, Whangarei’s Scott Harrison drove the #5 Carpet One Suzuki to an emphatic maiden race win in the Suzuki Swift Cup series having set fastest time in the morning qualifying.
Toyota Racing Series drivers Earl Bamber and Stefan Webling started from second and third respectively on the grid for the 20-lap Dan Higgins memorial race, however neither finished despite both taking turns leading the field in the early stages.
Starting from the front row in steady rain, Reynolds in the #8 Hampsta Indians bar Porsche 997 got the better start for the 12-lap race around the 3.03 kilometre circuit – a lead he continually extended to the chequered flag.
“We got a good start, Matt Halliday got a bit of a jump, but I got the better drive and got in to turn one leading. So I put my head down; got a few good laps in early and saved my tyres – taking the win,” said Reynolds.
Although the 24-year-old Melbourne based driver had a distracting build-up to the race when the in-board air-jack in his car failed as the team were putting it on the ground.
“It collapsed just before the start of the race when it was being used to lower the car, so there was a bit of running around to get the car properly sorted – so a special thanks to the Triple X boys for that.”
While Reynolds was out front, a battle for third see-sawed between Matt Halliday and Triple X Motorsport team-mates Craig Baird and Daniel Gaunt. Baird in the #1 Mad Butcher ZM Porsche 997 took the initial advantage, before losing track position that let Gaunt in the #3 Placemakers Hampsta Porsche 997 try for position. A skirmish involving Gaunt allowed Baird the position at the flag, with Courtney Letica in the #5 Altherm Porsche finishing behind in fourth.
Team principal Shane McKillen finished seventh in the #2 VnC Cocktails Juice bar Porsche 997 with Christchurch car dealer Paul Kelly 12th in the #90 Paul Kelly Motor Company Porsche 997.
With today’s result extending Baird’s overall title lead to 146 points, Sunday’s races include two more 75 point scoring opportunities with the morning 12-lap race followed by an afternoon 16-lap reverse top-six grid finale.
Adding to the Triple X Motorsport victory count, Whangarei’s Scott Harrison drove the #5 Carpet One Suzuki to an emphatic maiden race win in the Suzuki Swift Cup series having set fastest time in the morning qualifying.
Toyota Racing Series drivers Earl Bamber and Stefan Webling started from second and third respectively on the grid for the 20-lap Dan Higgins memorial race, however neither finished despite both taking turns leading the field in the early stages.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Bamber moves to second in Toyota series
The weekend’s third round of the Toyota Racing Series has elevated Triple X Motorsport driver Earl Bamber to second overall after three races at the brand-new Hampton Downs race circuit.
Following on from his third placing in Saturday’s 15-lap race, Bamber driving the VnC Cocktails Mad Butcher FT40 continued his points claim with a second in this morning’s pursuit.
In sweltering conditions at the venue adjacent to State Highway one, Bamber had to start from the third row in the afternoon 20-lap New Zealand Motor Cup race, behind championship rivals Sten Pentus (Estonia) and Mitch Evans (Auckland). Resigned to laying in wait for the front-runners to tangle, Bamber managed a fourth placed result at the chequered flag. The net points tied him for second in the weekend standings and similarly tied for second overall in the championship.
“We’ve made some good gains but we still don’t have the car pace so we’ve still got to keep improving as a team,” said Bamber.
“Realistically we’ve got to find three-to-four tenths of a second; we’re not far behind in a championship point-of-view but we need to be faster earlier in the weekend to be honest.” explained Bamber of the slower early weekend qualifying pace that decided the premier race grid.
New Plymouth’s Stefan Webling in the Horizon Energy Miles Toyota FT40 car finished sixth for the afternoon race, after a tangle in the morning that required a pit-stop to ensure the car was still aligned correctly.
“We’re fairly happy; although the car didn’t hook-up quite as well in the major race so we could have done even better I think, but to finish sixth, yes, we’re happy,” he said.
“We now head to Manfeild where I’ve done many many laps, so I think we’ve got a positive twist on where we’re at.”
Damage free, the Triple X Motorsport Toyota duo hand their cars back to the team mechanics who have to package the weekend operation for transport to Manfeild on the Monday morning. Upon arrival the crew have race-weekend preparations for the feature New Zealand Grand Prix next Sunday afternoon.
“It’s been a very good weekend for us as a team in the championship,” said Triple X Motorsport team manager Ian McNabb. “There was a lot at stake for both Earl and Stefan, so it’s great to see them both achieve at a new venue.”
Similar to this weekend’s race programme, three races spread over the Saturday and Sunday at the Manfeild venue will add to the championship chase – which will be the fourth and penultimate in the 2010 season.
2010 Toyota Racing Series - Championship points after round three (of five) – top eight
1 Mitch Evans Auckland 558
2= Earl Bamber (Triple X) Wanganui 533
2= Sten Pentus, Estonia 533
4 Lucas Foresti, Brazil 491
5 Andrew Waite, Auckland 463
6 Daniel Jileson, Taumaruni 405
7 Alastair Wootten, Auckland 356
8 Stefan Webling (Triple X) New Plymouth 352
Race results: New Zealand Motor Cup - Toyota Racing Series 20-lap race 1 Hampton Downs (top-six)
1 20 Sten Pentus 21:00.061
2 47 Ritchie Stanaway +2.151
3 28 Lucas Foresti +5.427
4 7 Earl Bamber +9.295
5 4 Mitch Evans +12.241
6 41 Stefan Webling +12.453
Following on from his third placing in Saturday’s 15-lap race, Bamber driving the VnC Cocktails Mad Butcher FT40 continued his points claim with a second in this morning’s pursuit.
In sweltering conditions at the venue adjacent to State Highway one, Bamber had to start from the third row in the afternoon 20-lap New Zealand Motor Cup race, behind championship rivals Sten Pentus (Estonia) and Mitch Evans (Auckland). Resigned to laying in wait for the front-runners to tangle, Bamber managed a fourth placed result at the chequered flag. The net points tied him for second in the weekend standings and similarly tied for second overall in the championship.
“We’ve made some good gains but we still don’t have the car pace so we’ve still got to keep improving as a team,” said Bamber.
“Realistically we’ve got to find three-to-four tenths of a second; we’re not far behind in a championship point-of-view but we need to be faster earlier in the weekend to be honest.” explained Bamber of the slower early weekend qualifying pace that decided the premier race grid.
New Plymouth’s Stefan Webling in the Horizon Energy Miles Toyota FT40 car finished sixth for the afternoon race, after a tangle in the morning that required a pit-stop to ensure the car was still aligned correctly.
“We’re fairly happy; although the car didn’t hook-up quite as well in the major race so we could have done even better I think, but to finish sixth, yes, we’re happy,” he said.
“We now head to Manfeild where I’ve done many many laps, so I think we’ve got a positive twist on where we’re at.”
Damage free, the Triple X Motorsport Toyota duo hand their cars back to the team mechanics who have to package the weekend operation for transport to Manfeild on the Monday morning. Upon arrival the crew have race-weekend preparations for the feature New Zealand Grand Prix next Sunday afternoon.
“It’s been a very good weekend for us as a team in the championship,” said Triple X Motorsport team manager Ian McNabb. “There was a lot at stake for both Earl and Stefan, so it’s great to see them both achieve at a new venue.”
Similar to this weekend’s race programme, three races spread over the Saturday and Sunday at the Manfeild venue will add to the championship chase – which will be the fourth and penultimate in the 2010 season.
2010 Toyota Racing Series - Championship points after round three (of five) – top eight
1 Mitch Evans Auckland 558
2= Earl Bamber (Triple X) Wanganui 533
2= Sten Pentus, Estonia 533
4 Lucas Foresti, Brazil 491
5 Andrew Waite, Auckland 463
6 Daniel Jileson, Taumaruni 405
7 Alastair Wootten, Auckland 356
8 Stefan Webling (Triple X) New Plymouth 352
Race results: New Zealand Motor Cup - Toyota Racing Series 20-lap race 1 Hampton Downs (top-six)
1 20 Sten Pentus 21:00.061
2 47 Ritchie Stanaway +2.151
3 28 Lucas Foresti +5.427
4 7 Earl Bamber +9.295
5 4 Mitch Evans +12.241
6 41 Stefan Webling +12.453
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Bamber climbs on to Toyota podium
A mature drive in the summer heat of today’s 15-lap race at Hampton Downs saw 19-year-old Triple X Motorsport’s Earl Bamber drive the VnC Cocktails Mad Butcher Toyota FT40 to third place after starting from sixth.
The first race in the third round of the 2010 Toyota Racing Series held at the brand-new 2.8 kilometre circuit, Bamber leap-frogged Estonian Sten Pentus and fellow Kiwi Richie Stanaway mid-race to take break the procession. Claiming one spot following a red-flag re-started race in the opening lap, Bamber stayed with the front-running pack to seize the two-position opportunity when it came his way.
“You could tell Richie has got nothing to lose and Sten is racing for the championship,” described Bamber. “So there was a definite battle between them. Having a much better handling car than in qualifying we could keep pace and be ready to attack. So seeing them both make mistakes when they pushed each other wide at the hair-pin I capitalised – got ahead and started to pull away.”
“It was great to get third and finish in front of Sten, meaning we get more championship points against his previous lead.”
Managing to avoid the start-grid duelling, New Plymouth’s Stefan Webling got in behind Bamber at the re-start before some elbowing placed him mid-pack in seventh.
“The start was good,” said Webling, having started from ninth. “But our tyre pressure strategy didn’t work so made my progress feel backward. By the time the pressures got the tyres working it was too late to re-gain the places lost.”
As the starting order for Sunday’s opening 15-lap race, Bamber predicts the results will largely be dictated by the quality of the standing-launch. Followed by the weekend feature from 3:30pm, the 20-lap New Zealand Motor Cup race has been previously won by the likes of Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham and Bruce McLaren.
“It’s also a real tribute to the guys that make up the Triple X Motorsport team,” added Bamber. “Their support and experience allowed by the opportunity to further improve my championship position: Ian – the team manager, the two Mark’s and Matt that work on my car – they’ve all been putting in a lot of hours.”
Championship points after today’s first race (round three Toyota Racing Series)
1. M Evans (Auckland) 449
2. S Pentus (Estonia) 428
3. E Bamber (Wanganui) 412
Race results: Toyota Racing Series 15-lap race 1 Hampton Downs (top-nine)
pos, car, name, time
1 4 Mitch Evans (Auckland) 25:11.568
2 28 Lucas Foresti (Brazil) +4.092
3 7 Earl Bamber (Wanganui, Triple X) +6.276
4 47 Ritchie Stanaway (Tauranga) +6.750
5 20 Sten Pentus (Estonia) +7.962
6 48 Andrew Waite (Auckland) +8.624
7 41 Stefan Webling (New Plymouth, Triple X) +10.847
8 69 Alastair Wootten (Auckland) +16.238
9 11 Ken Smith (Auckland) +24.708
The first race in the third round of the 2010 Toyota Racing Series held at the brand-new 2.8 kilometre circuit, Bamber leap-frogged Estonian Sten Pentus and fellow Kiwi Richie Stanaway mid-race to take break the procession. Claiming one spot following a red-flag re-started race in the opening lap, Bamber stayed with the front-running pack to seize the two-position opportunity when it came his way.
“You could tell Richie has got nothing to lose and Sten is racing for the championship,” described Bamber. “So there was a definite battle between them. Having a much better handling car than in qualifying we could keep pace and be ready to attack. So seeing them both make mistakes when they pushed each other wide at the hair-pin I capitalised – got ahead and started to pull away.”
“It was great to get third and finish in front of Sten, meaning we get more championship points against his previous lead.”
Managing to avoid the start-grid duelling, New Plymouth’s Stefan Webling got in behind Bamber at the re-start before some elbowing placed him mid-pack in seventh.
“The start was good,” said Webling, having started from ninth. “But our tyre pressure strategy didn’t work so made my progress feel backward. By the time the pressures got the tyres working it was too late to re-gain the places lost.”
As the starting order for Sunday’s opening 15-lap race, Bamber predicts the results will largely be dictated by the quality of the standing-launch. Followed by the weekend feature from 3:30pm, the 20-lap New Zealand Motor Cup race has been previously won by the likes of Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham and Bruce McLaren.
“It’s also a real tribute to the guys that make up the Triple X Motorsport team,” added Bamber. “Their support and experience allowed by the opportunity to further improve my championship position: Ian – the team manager, the two Mark’s and Matt that work on my car – they’ve all been putting in a lot of hours.”
Championship points after today’s first race (round three Toyota Racing Series)
1. M Evans (Auckland) 449
2. S Pentus (Estonia) 428
3. E Bamber (Wanganui) 412
Race results: Toyota Racing Series 15-lap race 1 Hampton Downs (top-nine)
pos, car, name, time
1 4 Mitch Evans (Auckland) 25:11.568
2 28 Lucas Foresti (Brazil) +4.092
3 7 Earl Bamber (Wanganui, Triple X) +6.276
4 47 Ritchie Stanaway (Tauranga) +6.750
5 20 Sten Pentus (Estonia) +7.962
6 48 Andrew Waite (Auckland) +8.624
7 41 Stefan Webling (New Plymouth, Triple X) +10.847
8 69 Alastair Wootten (Auckland) +16.238
9 11 Ken Smith (Auckland) +24.708
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Triple X Bamber to lead attack on Motor Cup
Wanganui’s 19-year-old Earl Bamber will make a dash for the New Zealand Motor Cup at this weekend’s Toyota Racing Series event being held at the Hampton Downs circuit (6-7 February).
The third round of five in the 2010 series, the three-race programme is headlined by Sunday afternoon’s 20-lap race for the prestigious trophy, previously won by the likes of Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham and Bruce McLaren.
Fresh from double victory at the previous round near Timaru, Bamber, in the VnC Cocktails Mad Butcher Toyota F40 heads the Triple X Motorsport team that includes New Plymouth’s Stefan Webling driving the Horizon Energy Services Miles Toyota car.
Having never raced at the brand new location situated mid-way between Hamilton and Auckland, the 2.8 kilometre circuit offers a new challenge for the pairing – having to learn their way round.
“Hopefully I will able to draw on my experience of learning many different circuits,” said Bamber ahead of the mid-season weekend. “We’ve got a top quality field – one that I think is the most competitive ever with the likes of Mitch Evans and Estonian Sten Pentus. So it’s going to be tough going, and equal playing field from that point-of-view. Plus I can draw on guys in the team to get us in front and build further on our race victories – because we still do have some pace to find in the dry.”
Bamber’s rapid return to form has him looking forward to driving the newly established facility, despite not having partaken in pre-season testing enjoyed by others in the field.
“The track is very wide and the thing I like, it has a lot of elevation change which is something we don’t see a lot of at New Zealand circuits. So I’m looking forward to driving it - as it will be similar to some of the European circuits I’ve raced; the up and down, blind turn-in and braking points. It will be gruelling but everyone will basically be starting with a blank sheet of paper.”
21-year-old Stefan Webling is similarly eager to measure his gains. Shadowing Bamber during his rookie season, Webling’s access to team data and engineering has elevated the apprentice mechanics championship aim. Running as high as third in his last race, he was the victim of a mid-field melee that pin-balled him from his position.
Starting with an hour testing Thursday afternoon, official practise begins on the Friday before the opening race grid positions are decided in Saturday morning’s qualifying session. With a 15-lap race Saturday afternoon and late Sunday morning, the afternoon 56 kilometre trophy race should take less than 21 minutes.
Currently in third place in the overall series standings, Bamber is 27 points adrift of leader Pentus, with 75 points for a race win.
The third round of five in the 2010 series, the three-race programme is headlined by Sunday afternoon’s 20-lap race for the prestigious trophy, previously won by the likes of Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham and Bruce McLaren.
Fresh from double victory at the previous round near Timaru, Bamber, in the VnC Cocktails Mad Butcher Toyota F40 heads the Triple X Motorsport team that includes New Plymouth’s Stefan Webling driving the Horizon Energy Services Miles Toyota car.
Having never raced at the brand new location situated mid-way between Hamilton and Auckland, the 2.8 kilometre circuit offers a new challenge for the pairing – having to learn their way round.
“Hopefully I will able to draw on my experience of learning many different circuits,” said Bamber ahead of the mid-season weekend. “We’ve got a top quality field – one that I think is the most competitive ever with the likes of Mitch Evans and Estonian Sten Pentus. So it’s going to be tough going, and equal playing field from that point-of-view. Plus I can draw on guys in the team to get us in front and build further on our race victories – because we still do have some pace to find in the dry.”
Bamber’s rapid return to form has him looking forward to driving the newly established facility, despite not having partaken in pre-season testing enjoyed by others in the field.
“The track is very wide and the thing I like, it has a lot of elevation change which is something we don’t see a lot of at New Zealand circuits. So I’m looking forward to driving it - as it will be similar to some of the European circuits I’ve raced; the up and down, blind turn-in and braking points. It will be gruelling but everyone will basically be starting with a blank sheet of paper.”
21-year-old Stefan Webling is similarly eager to measure his gains. Shadowing Bamber during his rookie season, Webling’s access to team data and engineering has elevated the apprentice mechanics championship aim. Running as high as third in his last race, he was the victim of a mid-field melee that pin-balled him from his position.
Starting with an hour testing Thursday afternoon, official practise begins on the Friday before the opening race grid positions are decided in Saturday morning’s qualifying session. With a 15-lap race Saturday afternoon and late Sunday morning, the afternoon 56 kilometre trophy race should take less than 21 minutes.
Currently in third place in the overall series standings, Bamber is 27 points adrift of leader Pentus, with 75 points for a race win.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
New Zealand’s Triple X Motorsport to race in Porsche Carrera Cup Asia
Auckland based Triple X Motorsport have today confirmed their entry in the world’s largest one-make race car category – contesting the 2010 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia with driver Craig Baird MNZM.
Supporting both the Shanghai and Singapore Formula One Grand Prix events, the 2010 championship covers six venues across four countries (China, Singapore, Korea and Malaysia) starting in April and concluding late October.
The first time the Asia series has allowed entry from private teams, the lure of prize money and an international television audience exceeding 76 million viewers primes the New Zealand team for success on debut.
“We want to win – we think we can,” said Triple X Motorsport team principal and prominent New Zealand businessman Shane McKillen. “Craig has won the Porsche series in Australia and New Zealand several times, Asia is very strong this year and I think maybe the strongest Carrera Cup series in the world. There are lots of European drivers; Christian Menzel, Danny Watts – guys who will be a good challenge for Craig and the Triple X Motorsport team.”
With a substantial lead in New Zealand’s Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, Baird who has 23 New Zealand and two Australian championship titles, heads to Asia buoyed by his previous success in one-off races last year.
“There are plenty of good guys there at the top of their game: Christian Menzel that drives for the Alzen’s in Germany, Danny Watts, who was the British A1GP driver, Darryl O’Young who drives the GT2 class for the factory Porsche team so I’m really looking forward to it - it’ll be a competitive series. Plus it’s a refreshing change for me as well; I love racing in New Zealand and being involved in Triple X Motorsport, so to go to Asia with my own team is probably one of the most important things. It increases chances of achieving success - having that good group, I couldn’t wish for a better team,” said the 39-year-old Queensland based Kiwi, named in the 2010 New Year honours list.
While the series is based on identical specification Porsche 997-based 911 cars, the team will run the 2010 GT3 RS-based version backed by New Zealand produced VnC Cocktails.
“The VnC brand is very strong is Asia and I think it’s complimentary to motorsport and what we’re doing,” added McKillen. “Plus it also creates a development path for some of our young guys who can now get a chance to run in Asia and see what it’s like. Also there is an opportunity to bring some young Asian series drivers down to run New Zealand over the summer, give them a bit of testing and a few miles before they start their new championship.”
With Baird able to benefit from the summer championship race programme, he says driving one of the 24 new Porsche’s entered to the series will put everyone at the same level.
“It’s a new car – so no-one has any data on how to get the most from the car at each circuit – that makes it a good year to join the championship as it’s never going to be as even as it is now. I obviously have to learn some of the circuits – but we all have to learn the cars; it comes back to the cars more so than the driver I believe,” he added.
“The 2010 car has another 40 horsepower more and is about 150mm wider with larger tyres, so you’d expect to be 1-2 seconds quicker at most circuits – making it a very fast car. Although at the end of the day the car is still a rear-wheel-drive, rear-engined 911 race car like I’ve driven anywhere else.”
With each of the six venues running two races, the 12-round championship rewards a win with ten points plus one point for setting fastest time in qualifying.
Beginning mid-April at the Shanghai Formula One weekend, the team will partake in the official test weekend at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit mid-March.
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia calendar 2010
13 – 14 March Sepang Int. Circuit, Malaysia - PCCA Test Days
16 - 18 April Shanghai Int. Circuit, China - Formula One Support Race
21 – 23 May Beijing Goldenport Circuit, China - Porsche Weekend
18 - 20 June Zhuhai Int. Circuit, China - Pan Delta Super Racing Festival
27 – 29 August Jeonnam Int. Circuit, Korea - Asian Festival of Speed
24 – 26 Sept Marina Bay Circuit, Singapore - Formula One Support Race
22 – 24 Oct Guangdong Int. Circuit, China - Asian Festival of Speed
About Porsche Carrera Cup Asia
The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia blasted off the starting grid in 2003 and has never looked back. Joining the family of hugely successful Porsche “one make” series, it has quickly become the premier sportscar series in the region, with a massive fan and media following.
The Carrera Cup Asia field of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars offers extremely exciting racing across the whole Asian region and is truly international with competitors from all over Asia, as well as Europe. It represents a combination of experienced touring and race drivers in addition to ambitious and talented gentlemen drivers.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia runs as part of the Asian Festival of Speed and is a supporting race to two rounds of the FIA Formula One World Championship – in Shanghai and in Singapore.
http://www.porsche.com/china/en/motorsportandevents/porschecarreracupasia/
Supporting both the Shanghai and Singapore Formula One Grand Prix events, the 2010 championship covers six venues across four countries (China, Singapore, Korea and Malaysia) starting in April and concluding late October.
The first time the Asia series has allowed entry from private teams, the lure of prize money and an international television audience exceeding 76 million viewers primes the New Zealand team for success on debut.
“We want to win – we think we can,” said Triple X Motorsport team principal and prominent New Zealand businessman Shane McKillen. “Craig has won the Porsche series in Australia and New Zealand several times, Asia is very strong this year and I think maybe the strongest Carrera Cup series in the world. There are lots of European drivers; Christian Menzel, Danny Watts – guys who will be a good challenge for Craig and the Triple X Motorsport team.”
With a substantial lead in New Zealand’s Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, Baird who has 23 New Zealand and two Australian championship titles, heads to Asia buoyed by his previous success in one-off races last year.
“There are plenty of good guys there at the top of their game: Christian Menzel that drives for the Alzen’s in Germany, Danny Watts, who was the British A1GP driver, Darryl O’Young who drives the GT2 class for the factory Porsche team so I’m really looking forward to it - it’ll be a competitive series. Plus it’s a refreshing change for me as well; I love racing in New Zealand and being involved in Triple X Motorsport, so to go to Asia with my own team is probably one of the most important things. It increases chances of achieving success - having that good group, I couldn’t wish for a better team,” said the 39-year-old Queensland based Kiwi, named in the 2010 New Year honours list.
While the series is based on identical specification Porsche 997-based 911 cars, the team will run the 2010 GT3 RS-based version backed by New Zealand produced VnC Cocktails.
“The VnC brand is very strong is Asia and I think it’s complimentary to motorsport and what we’re doing,” added McKillen. “Plus it also creates a development path for some of our young guys who can now get a chance to run in Asia and see what it’s like. Also there is an opportunity to bring some young Asian series drivers down to run New Zealand over the summer, give them a bit of testing and a few miles before they start their new championship.”
With Baird able to benefit from the summer championship race programme, he says driving one of the 24 new Porsche’s entered to the series will put everyone at the same level.
“It’s a new car – so no-one has any data on how to get the most from the car at each circuit – that makes it a good year to join the championship as it’s never going to be as even as it is now. I obviously have to learn some of the circuits – but we all have to learn the cars; it comes back to the cars more so than the driver I believe,” he added.
“The 2010 car has another 40 horsepower more and is about 150mm wider with larger tyres, so you’d expect to be 1-2 seconds quicker at most circuits – making it a very fast car. Although at the end of the day the car is still a rear-wheel-drive, rear-engined 911 race car like I’ve driven anywhere else.”
With each of the six venues running two races, the 12-round championship rewards a win with ten points plus one point for setting fastest time in qualifying.
Beginning mid-April at the Shanghai Formula One weekend, the team will partake in the official test weekend at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit mid-March.
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia calendar 2010
13 – 14 March Sepang Int. Circuit, Malaysia - PCCA Test Days
16 - 18 April Shanghai Int. Circuit, China - Formula One Support Race
21 – 23 May Beijing Goldenport Circuit, China - Porsche Weekend
18 - 20 June Zhuhai Int. Circuit, China - Pan Delta Super Racing Festival
27 – 29 August Jeonnam Int. Circuit, Korea - Asian Festival of Speed
24 – 26 Sept Marina Bay Circuit, Singapore - Formula One Support Race
22 – 24 Oct Guangdong Int. Circuit, China - Asian Festival of Speed
About Porsche Carrera Cup Asia
The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia blasted off the starting grid in 2003 and has never looked back. Joining the family of hugely successful Porsche “one make” series, it has quickly become the premier sportscar series in the region, with a massive fan and media following.
The Carrera Cup Asia field of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars offers extremely exciting racing across the whole Asian region and is truly international with competitors from all over Asia, as well as Europe. It represents a combination of experienced touring and race drivers in addition to ambitious and talented gentlemen drivers.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia runs as part of the Asian Festival of Speed and is a supporting race to two rounds of the FIA Formula One World Championship – in Shanghai and in Singapore.
http://www.porsche.com/china/en/motorsportandevents/porschecarreracupasia/
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