Team 18 targeting Townsville trophies
After returning to the podium in Townsville, Team 18 is determined to get more trophies at this weekend’s Townsville 500.
Mark Winterbottom scored a season best second at the recent Darwin Triple Crown where the #18 had front-running pace, while teammate David Reynolds was also well in the top 10.
Although the next day did not go to plan, Team 18 still heads to the 15th anniversary of the Townsville 500 with plenty of confidence.
Winterbottom is always a consistent figure at the north Queensland street circuit, having finished in the top 10 at least once in all 16 rounds, while he has won thrice in 2010 and 2015.
We’ve come off a really good round at Darwin. We learnt a lot where I think should translate really well to Townsville,” Winterbottom said.
“It’s a track that I have had pretty good success at in the past, and also Dave is a bit of a street circuit specialist, so together we’re going there to try and get trophies.
“Long race formats, soft tyres, qualifying is important, but it’s the one place that isn’t as important as what we’ve seen as Darwin and Perth.
“You need a good qualy car, but you need a good race car, because of the long stint lengths, high tyre deg, strategy, fuel, all those things go with it.
“I feel like we’re ready, we’ve come off a very good round and ready for the challenge.”
The two race days of the Townsville 500 will mirror each other with strategy to be a big factor.
Qualifying will kick off with 15 minute sessions to decide those who feature in the top 10 shootout, whilst the prizes will go on the line across two big 88-lap races.
On track action will commence with two 40-minute practice sessions on Friday.
Image: Mark Horsburgh
READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF AUTO ACTION DIGITAL HERE
Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.
Podcast: Let’s talk about Betty Klimenko and the trolls
On this episode of The Autro Action Rev Limiter, Andrew, Bruce, and PG break down the Betty Klimenko interview from the latest edition of Auto Action
Listen to our latest episode on your podcast app of choice or here
