SAGE MURDOCH READY FOR CAMPAIGN TO COMMENCE AT QR

Sage Murdoch ready to commence Prototype campaign at QR – Photo: InSyde Media

HE MAY be three rounds into the 2018 Australian Prototype Series presented by Hot Wheels, but Sage Murdoch feels he is finally ready to launch his championship campaign this weekend in Queensland.

The 16-year-old from Newcastle has faced a challenging start to his APS career, having graduated from Australian Formula 4 last year.

Originally scheduled to race the Jam Motorsport Wolf GB08 from the opening round, delays in the arrival of his chassis ensured he contested the event at The Bend Motorsport Park in one of the team’s existing West chassis’.

Oil pressure issues at the second round sidelined both his Wolf and the backup West, ensuring a zero score in both races.

“At the first round this car wasn’t ready to run at all – It was 50-50 whether it would, but it didn’t make it,” Murdoch explained.

“We had to run the West and we did pretty good that round, but we definitely could have run better if we were in the newer, front-running car.

“Round 2 at Sandown we found more issues and we had oil pressure issues in both the Wolf and the West.”

A subsequent comprehensive run at a state championship round in Adelaide, however, put the program back on track.

What’s more, the APS points system allows drivers to drop their two worst race results of the season which, assuming the remainder of the season goes to plan, will make Sandown’s zero points haul much easier to deal with and ensure the teenager remains in the championship mix.

“At the state round it was really good – I was consistently top two, which shows the problems were fixed and I’m good to go and get up there and show them what I’ve got.

“I feel like I’m starting the season now and I’ve got to make as many points as possible to contend for the championship.”

He says the Wolf – the same model car that currently leads the championship in the hands of Jason Makris – is a suitable step forward in performance from his earlier rides.

“The car is unbelievable to drive. Compared to the West it just feels glued down through the corners, it doesn’t fight back and just feels solid on the track.”

Murdoch is not without experience at Queensland Raceway, either.

Twelve months ago he qualified second behind eventual champion Nick Rowe in the Formula 4 round at the venue, ultimately finishing fifth overall after contact in the third race ruined a chance at spraying the champagne.

“I went well here in F4. I managed to qualify second, unfortunately I didn’t get on the podium because I was taken out – but lets do it this year!”

The Australian Prototype Series presented by Hot Wheels will tackle three sprint racers this weekend as part of the Shannons Nationals event at Queensland Raceway.

Jason Makris leads teammate JP Drake by two points in their battle at the pointy-end of the grid heading into the series’ half-way point.

The unofficial practice took place yesterday, with no timing making finding the pecking order impossible to read prior to qualifying on this morning.

Sunday will then feature two races, both to be streamed live on the Auto Action website.

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