Pye on why Triple Eight are the best
In 2024 Scott Pye will return to Triple Eight as a co-driver 12 years after his Super2 stint with the team and he remains just as impressed.
Since Pye finished second to Scott McLaughlin in the 2012 Dunlop Series, he has raced for Lucas Dumbrell Racing, Dick Johnson Racing before and after Roger Penske arrived, Walkinshaw Andretti United and Team 18.
But according to the South Australian, none of them can compare to the standards set at Triple Eight.
After 12 years away Pye returns to the team as the co-driver for Will Brown’s #87 Camaro in the 2024 Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000 endurance races.
He revealed the ruthless mentality chasing perfection has not changed, which he feels is something that is not replicated elsewhere on the grid.
“There is not much comparison to the way that Triple Eight operate elsewhere in pit lane,” Pye told AUTO ACTION.
“Nothing against individuals in other teams. I think they can drop into Triple Eight and would be able to plug in and do well straight away.
“But unfortunately I don’t think the infrastructure in other teams is what is at Triple Eight.
“They are such a professional team and powerhouse but the way it has been led from day one is the difference.
“The most impressive thing is they have pretty much been in contention almost every year since they started.
“There may be opportunities when a team stands up and beats them for a year or so but it is how they constantly turn up with the mindset of trying to be better than everyone else everyday that keeps them where they are.
“Jamie (Whincup) has that mentality and I remember when I was in Super2 him saying that when you win on Saturday, the hardest thing was to win again on Sunday so Saturday night is work.
“You make sure you come back better because everyone else will too. That never stops.”
Pye was reminded of this when he was present at the pre-season test day at Queensland Raceway before the Bathurst 500 season opener where Triple Eight took out every single on track session.
“When I saw them operating at the test day, it was proof they are not resting on what they have done in the past,” he said.
“I was really impressed with the way they ran the test day with the procedures and structure in place was excellent.
“Erebus was really fast last year but I think we are seeing Triple Eight rebound even stronger because of that.
“They have just been able to build on the previous year as opposed to rebuilding and we are seeing the results on track.
“It was cool to see Will and Broc (Feeney) show what they are capable of, leading the team into the next phase into the future.”
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