BRABHAM BT62 SETS NEW PHILLIP ISLAND LAP RECORD

Supercar steerer Tim Slade drove the wheels off a Brabham Automotive BT62 at Round 3 of the Victorian State Race Series to set a new outright lap record at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

Slade set a 1m 24.06s during the second race for the MG and Invited Sportscars in the BT62’s maiden circuit competition appearance in Australia, beating the previous record by 0.15s.

Simon Wills has held the record since 2000, when he set a 1m 24.221s in a Reynard 94D Formula Holden during the opening round of the 2000 Australian Drivers’ Championship.

Slade (pictured by Revved Photography) was able to make history on his first racing lap in the Brabham BT62, flying to the front of the field from a pit lane start into clean air which he took full advantage of.

“We basically had one shot at the record,” Slade said.

“The track conditions were relatively unknown as the wind increased, it wasn’t a perfect lap, but great to tick it off and claim the record.

“It’s nice when a plan comes together. For me it’s good fun. Driving such a cool car like this is always great.”

The achievement was even more impressive considering that Slade and his team’s preparation was hampered by bad weather at Phillip Island.

“It hasn’t been an ideal lead up to the record attempt, limited laps on Friday and none yesterday as it was raining,” Slade explained.

“Because also the car is so much faster than all the other MGs it’s against this weekend it is really hard to find clear track to put a lap together.

“Worked pretty hard and jumped through a few hurdles just to be out on track, and we have to thank the MGs and Invited British Sports Cars for accommodating us.

“Happy for the car owner, Matt and Scott from AMS Motorsport and everyone else who has been involved behind the scenes in getting the car here – it’s very appreciated.”

Slade will be back on track this weekend at Winton Raceway in the Supercars Championship, while Round 4 of the VSRS is scheduled for Sandown Raceway from August 12-14.

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